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Barcelona and Gaudí go together like sangria and sunsets-both are vibrant, colorful and a little bit intoxicating. Visiting Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces throughout Barcelona isn't just sightseeing; it's an art extravaganza with eccentric shapes and mosaics of color. Gaudí was heavily influenced by things he saw in nature. Because he observed there were no straight lines in nature, most of his designs include serpentine curves and brightly colored details replicating natural elements. His fantastical designs are very distinctive and have become a trademark of Barcelona. You can't visit the city and not become enchanted with the mind and the magic of Gaudí's art and architecture. This blog will highlight the local Gaudi sights you have to visit while exploring Barcelona. La Sagrada Família-A Cathedral Still Under Construction One of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona is the Basilica de la Sagrada Família. This colossal structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been under construction for over 140 years! The first cornerstone of the cathedral was laid on August 19, 1882. The goal is to finish the structural work in 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death. The La Sagrada Família is dedicated to the Holy Family. The outside of the basilica is breathtaking and intricate. You have to walk around the whole cathedral to take in Gaudí's masterpiece. The cathedral consists of three facades-the Nativity facade, the Passion facade and the Glory facade. The Nativity and Passion facades are completed, the Glory facade is under construction using plans, models and sketches that Gaudi made during his lifetime to make sure the work keeps with his vision for the structure. In addition to the facades, the finished basilica is going to have 18 spires or towers, each one representing an important figure in the Christian faith. Specifically, there is a spire for each of the 12 apostles,the 4 evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Here are some details about each of these important elements of the cathedral: Nativity Facade: The Nativity facade is dedicated to the birth of Jesus and is meant to reflect the radiant joy of his arrival. It was constructed between 1894 and 1930 and was the only one completed during Gaudí's lifetime. Standing in Front of the Nativity Facade The Intricacy of the Carvings is Incredible Passion Facade: The Passion Facade is dedicated to Christ's Passion/death/resurrection and is meant to reflect the stark truths of his crucifixtion. It was constructed between 1954 and 1976 and was guided by drawings made by Gaudí before his death. He wanted the facade to be "hard, bare and as if made of bones." The Passion Facade Glory Facade: The Glory facade is intended to be the main facade and the entry into the basilica. The Glory facade will be dedicated to Jesus after death and the celestial promise of Christ's eternal glory. Before his death, Gaudí sketched out his vision of this facade to guide the future architects. It is not complete and is scheduled to be constructed by 2026. The Spires: As noted above, the final construction will have 18 total spires representing the 12 apostles, the 4 evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. They go in ascending order of height with the spire representing Jesus Christ being the tallest one. The evangelists are clustered around the Christ spire and the Virgin Mary spire is topped with a glass star which stands out in the Barcelona skyline. As of now 13 spires are complete. These are eight apostle spires, the 4 evangelist spires and the spire for the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary Spire with the Glass Star; the Jesus Christ Spire Being Constructed to the Left. What is amazing about the ongoing construction of the La Segrada Familia is you are never seeing the same basilica when you visit. My sister and her husband visited the basilica several years ago and it occurred to me that the basilica I was seeing was very different than the one she had seen. Several of the outside towers were just recently completed, so my sister wouldn't have had the chace to see that part of the masterpiece. There is work continuing, so if you visit in the next couple of years you will see a different building than I saw! Crazy! As amazing as the outside of La Segrada Familia is, nothing prepared me for the sight that greeted me as I entered the cathedral. An insider tip , make sure to visit in the early morning or the late afternoon to get the full experience of Gaudi's design. You will see what I mean from the pictures below. We were there in the late afternoon so we got to see the cathedral with the sun setting. The reason this is important is the incredible floor to ceiling stained glass windows that line the walls. On one side, the stained glass is shades of blues and greens (the morning windows) and on the other side the stained glass is shades of red and orange (the afternoon windows). The designs that are created on the floor and ceiling of the basilica as the sun is rising and setting is magical. Here are some pictures, but understand these photos do not do it justice. Although the stain glass show steals the attention, a walk around the inside of the basilica reveals many other magical elements incorporated by Gaudí. The pillars inside resemble the structure of a tree from the broad trunk to the branches above. The very modern crucifix catches your eye in the middle of the cathedral. Some don't care for this interpretation of the crucifixtion. Even within our group opinions were split. What do you think? Pillars Designed to Resemble Trees Keeping with Gaudi's Nature Influence Modern Crucifixion Another insider's tip , this is the most popular attraction in Barcelona so you should definitely reserve your entrance ticket well in advance of your trip. Here is a link to the ticket page of the La Sagrada Familia website. However, I would suggest a "skip the line" tour package that also includes a trip to Park Güell. This gets you entrance into both sites with a guided tour, transportation between the cathedral and the park, and an ability to beat the long lines that are always an issue. I used Viator to book my tour in advance. Here is a link to the tour I took. I highly recommend it! Park Güell Originally desiged to be a luxury residential project by Gaudí and his patron Eusebi Güell, the idea never came to full fruition. The original plan included 60 homes, a market and gardens. Work stopped in 1914 with only two houses complete. After that, Park Güell became a public park that showcases some of Gaudí's most creative work and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking into Park Güell is like stepping into a living, breathing fairy tale. The park is a colorful explosion of mosaics, serpentine paths, and whimsical sculptures set against the backdrop of nature. We entered the park through a back gate, walking through winding pathways and lush greenery. Gaudí was inspired by nature, and it shows-everything in the park feels organic, as though it's grown out of the earth itself. Even the viaducts and arches, made from rough stone, blend seamlessly into the landscape. Nature Inspired Viaduct As we continued on the path we came upon a fairytale pink house that was apparently Gaudí's last residence in Barcelona. He moved into the house in 1906 at the age of 54 and lived there for nearly 20 years until his death. The house is called Casa Rosada and now houses the Gaudí House Museum that contains furniture and objects designed by Gaudí over his lifetime. Casa Rosada, Gaudi's Last Residence in Barcelona As we meandered further on the winding paths up to the top of the hill, we came upon the heart of Park Güell. A terrace that offers amazing views of the Barcelona skyline as well as an amazing display of Gaudí's artwork. At this spot, the Serpentine Bench, a sinuous, colorful seating area wraps around the terrace like a vibrant snake. Covered in broken-tile mosaics (a technique called trencadís ), the bench is both functional and fantastical. Not only is the bench beautiful, but it is comfortable as Gaudí made sure to structure it to provide great back support while you are lounging soaking up the sun and the views. Enjoying the Sun on a Comfortable and Beautiful Gaudi Bench An Example of Trencadís by Gaudí View of Barcelona and the Mediterranean from Park Güell As you descend down the stairs from the bench terrace, you come upon Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 86 Doric colums that feel like they have been plucked from an ancient Greek temple and given a playful twist. The ceiling is just as fascinating as it is adorned with mosaic medallions that sparkle in the sunlight. It is a space that is in equal parts grand and whimsical. Our tour guide informed us that events had been held in the space over the years and I can only imagine how spectacular they were with that setting! Hypostyle Hall Down the stairs from Hypostyle Hall, is the iconic lizard sculpture known as "El Drac". This mosaic-covered lizard has become a mascot for Park Güell and a symbol of Barcelona in general. You have to be patient to get a selfie with El Drac as everyone is looking to snap a photo with this little cutie. The iconic El Drac Past El Drac, are two houses that look straight out of Hansel and Gretel (which frankly scared me just a bit!). One of the houses contains the gift store where you can find all things Gaudí. The public restrooms are also in this area (just fyi). Park Güell isn't just another tourist attraction-it is an experience where art, architecture, and nature come together in perfect harmony. One word of caution (from my bad experience), make SURE you know where your meeting point is if you sign up for a tour. We weren't exactly sure and our taxi driver dropped us off on the WRONG side of the park and we had to take another taxi and run up a STEEP hill to get to our tour group who almost had to go in (due to timed entry tickets) without us! We NEARLY missed the chance to see this amazing place. I would have been soooo upset. Learn from my mistake and confirm exactly where you need to meet! Casa Batllo The Whimsical Casa Battló Located on the bustling Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló (pronounced "Casa Bat-yo") is another masterpiece by Gaudí, renowned for its organic shapes and vibrant colors. The facade, with its distinct mask-like balconies and dragon-like roof, is a feast for the eyes. To me it is reminiscent of Claude Monet's Water Lilies painting, but it was apparently designed to look like a house of bones (not exactly the same aesthetic). Looking at the picture more closely, you can see bone like structures and dragon inspired scales for the roof. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Guided tours are available to see the inside of this magnificent home, but we did not have a chance to do that. Our tour guide did say it was interesting to see inside because there are no corners (due to the lack of straight lines mentioned above), so furniture had to be designed to fit into the space. There is also supposed to be an incredible view of the city from the terrace. So, if you have time to do the tour it would probably be interesting. Again, this Gaudi masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Casa Milà The Innovative Casa Milà Also located on Passeig de Gràcia, you can find another famous Gaudí struture known as La Pedrera (the Stone Quarry) or Casa Milà. This building is famous for its wavy stone facade and wrought-iron balconies. The building was built between 1906 and 1912 and resembles a massive wave. It is renowned for its innovative structure and design. We just walked by the unique building, but did not go inside. Visitors can explore the rooftop terrace, which features chimney sculptures that look like warriors, for a stunning view of the city. Inside, the Espai Gaudí exhibition offers insight into Gaudí's creative process and techniques. Palau Güell The Hidden Gem Palau Güell Palau Güell is located near La Rambla and is a lesser known Gaudí attraction. It is one of Gaudí's early works commissioned by Eusebi Güell (the subsequent patron of the Park Güell project). The palace showcases Gaudí's early exploration of space and light. Visitors can marvel at the elaborate iron gates, the stunning arches and the intricately desgined rooms. The rooftop is decorated with colorful chimneys and offers another perspective of Gaudís unique architectural style. Again, we were on a limited time schedule and did not have a chance to visit Palau Güell, but our tour guide highly recommended it as a hidden Gaudí gem in Barcelona that doesn't have the crowds of the other attractions. If you are an achitecture fan, I think you should include this on your itinerary. Our tour guide had the insider info! A New Gaudi Fan Before visiting Barcelona I didn't know much about Gaudi...actually nothing. But after seeing all of his amazing creations throughout Barcelona, I have become a huge fan. I love how his building and structures almost feel alive like the nature that inspired them. I love his use of bright colors and broken tiles to create fantastical pieces that inspire. Getting to know Gaudí and his work was one of my favorite things about Barcelona! Gaudí's Newest Fan

Me chilling at Magnolia Market & Garden One thing I LOVE to do is browse home decor stores looking for inspiration to make my own home as charming and comfortable as I can. I also enjoy watching some of the shows on TV that completely renovate or decorate homes, especially Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Not only do I enjoy Jo's style of decorating, I really enjoy the interaction between Jo and Chip while they work on the episode's highlighted project. It is interesting to note that they work primarily on projects around Waco and have been instrumental in breathing new economic life into Waco and the surrounding areas. In addition to their renovation work, they created an entire Magnolia universe on a parcel of property in the center of downtown Waco. There are shops, food trucks, open space for relaxing, and even an historic chapel if you want a moment to sit quietly and reflect on your (potential) purchases. I have always thought about visiting the Magnolia complex, but haven't really had a reason to go anywhere near Waco. It seemed like an awfully long trip from upstate New York just to shop for home decor. However, when planning to drive cross country with Madison to help her move to Colorado, I figured it would be a perfect detour before I flew back home. As luck would have it, the weekend I was planning to go turned out to be Magnolia's annual Silobration event and this year was celebrating their 20th Anniversary. I am so glad I thought to take this opportunity to check it out because I loved every minute of my Magnolia experience! Amazing Shopping at the Magnolia Stores Shopping is the main attraction at the Magnolia complex and it does not disappoint. Here are the stores to browse: Magnolia Market: This is the cornerstone of the Magnolia brand. The large space is filled with products curated by Jo as well as some antique items in their "Found and Collected" line. You can also shop online at Magnolia.com in case you won't be in Waco any time soon. Online browsing, as well as pursuing their collection of products in Target's Home Department, are how I get my decorating inspiration! Magnolia Home: Magnolia Home focuses mostly on the bigger items of home decor...furniture, rugs, tables, etc. It also has some selection of decorating accessories that crosses over with Magnolia Market. Entrance to Magnolia Home A glimpse inside Magnolia Home Shops at the Silos: Shops at the Silos are six smaller curated shops each featuring a specific style and theme. The Shops sell items ranging from bath and body products, men's accessories, house plants, women's clothing, and paper and books. Click here for a more detailed description of each shop. The Shops surround a peaceful green open space flanked by the historic chapel. It feels like a more peaceful and intimate shopping experience. The green space in front of the Shops at the Silos Ferny's Retro Plant Shop: Described as a "plant shop with a retro twist", this shop is curated by Jo's younger sister, Mikey. It features potted house plants which have each been given a name (like Mabel, Susie, etc.-just making those up, but you get the idea). You can pick your favorite plant and take it home with you. Like a pet! I would be too afraid to do that as I tend to kill plants and if it had an actual name it would feel more personal and upsetting. Ferny's Retro Plant Shop Chapter One: This Shop has a wide selection of stationery, cards, and books. It was beautifully arranged and it was one of my favorite shops. It felt so calm and peaceful in there. I bought a gorgeous handmade journal with a unique periwinkle colored pen. If only I would commit to journaling on a regular basis! I have no excuses now that I have a beautiful journal and a pretty pen to use. Charming display at Chapter One Beautiful inspirational journal from Chapter One No. 16: This store is named after Chip's baseball jersey (many years ago) and features lots of sports themed products and retro gift items. Tried and True: A store with beautiful leather bags and accessories as well as other classic fashion accessories. Vie Bien Aimee: This shop features luxurious bath and body products.I bought some amazing skin lotion because my skin was feeling so dry out West! Reverie: A women's clothing boutique with classic, timeless pieces that will stay in style for years. Delicious Food at Magnolia With all of the browsing and shopping to be done at the Magnolia complex, I needed sustenance to keep my energy levels up. I was in luck as there are plenty of places to eat around the complex! I obviously didn't try all the available options, but I can definitely say that what I did sample was amazing! Here are the various options: Magnolia Press: I started my first morning off at Magnolia Press. There was a bit of a line, but it got way longer as I stood there. Again, it was Silobration so the crowds were worse, but I am guessing that a line is not unusual at this place. Plan to get there early if you go. They serve a variety of hot drinks and sweet or savory pastries. I ordered the Almond Croissant and it was the best one I have ever had! Check out the menu here . Silos Baking Co.: Another popular spot to get a sweet treat is the Silos Baking Co. Check out all of the delicious things you can get here . I never got a chance to go here because the line was always SUPER long. I am really bummed about that because everything on the menu sounds amazing! Long line at the Silos Baking Co. Magnolia Table: The Magnolia Table restaurant is located a short drive from the Magnolia complex. It is housed in an historic building that used to be the Elite Cafe, a local favorite diner with deep roots in the community. When the Elite Cafe decided to close its doors in 2016, Chip and Jo decided to buy the place and continue its' long tradition as a gathering place. Magnolia Table was created in its place. Reservations are usually required as it gets really busy. But don't despair if you didn't plan ahead, Magnolia Table has a Take Away entrance where you can order from a limited menu or pick up pre-made meals. There is also a take away option for Magnolia Table at Magnolia Table at Concessions which is located right in the Magnolia complex. This is where I got to experience food from Magnolia Table. You can check out the condensed menu options below. I ordered Jo's Chicken Salad Sandwich and it was delicious! Magnolia Food Trucks: One of the cool things about the Magnolia complex is all of the food trucks that they have located throughout the grounds. There are all different types of food available from the food trucks from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches (which unfortunately I did not have time to try), gluten free waffles with a variety of toppings, tex-mex tacos, individual pizzas, corndogs and much more! Check out the list of food truck vendors here . Over the course of two days I had the chance to try Waffle Chic, Sweet Maggies and 900 Degree Pizza. I was perfectly satisfied every time! Magnolia Grounds In addition to all of the shopping and eating you can do at Magnolia, you can also take some time to relax and enjoy the moment. There are plenty of tables and chairs set up around the grounds, a large open space with bean bags and lawn chairs, some corn hole boards, a small baseball park, a Photo Booth, a garden area, a chapel, and plenty other photo-worthy spots every where you look. Pictures can explain better than words... Silobration at Magnolia Silobration entrance to the Shops at the Silos All of the things I have described above can be seen year round at the Magnolia complex. However, if that is not enough Magnolia for you, you can always plan your trip during the annual Silobration which is held in October every year. At Silobration there is a vendor fair along the side street of the Magnolia complex, daily entertainment and trivia contests, and a special ticketed event to spend the evening with Chip and Jo and ask questions about their amazing journey building the Magnolia empire! I bought a ticket to the Chip and Jo event and really enjoyed hearing their perspective on how their business has grown (the ups and the downs) and watching them interact in person (it is exactly the same as the show!). I didn't plan to be there during Silobration, but I am so glad it worked out that way. However, one benefit to not being there during Silobration is that the crowds would be significantly smaller which would make for a better shopping experience. Another special time to be at Magnolia is the Christmas season. They were already promoting the Christmas event while I was there! Christmas at the Silos would be magical! I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Waco at the Magnolia Silos complex. It is a perfect girls' getaway or mother-daughter trip. But I don't want to be sexist, there were lots of men there enjoying everything Magnolia as well. I highly recommend a visit at least once to experience the magic Chip and Jo have created in Waco. I will also have some other blogs coming shortly about the other hidden gems I discovered in Waco so you will have plenty to do once you are all shopped out! In the meantime, don't forget to check out Magnolia.com for on-line shopping, design inspiration, and all the other great content they have on their site. (I'm not affiliated...I just love their brand!)

Me standing on an iconic photo spot in Waco. Find out where in this blog! I don't think many people have Waco, Texas on their travel bucket list. Most people associate Waco with its' unfortunate history involving David Koresh and the Branch Davidians. However, thanks to the popularity of Fixer Upper , the home renovation show hosted by Waco residents Chip and Joanna Gaines, Waco is shedding the negative association that people may have had in the past. . I decided to make the journey to check out Waco after a cross-country road trip with my daughter Madison who was moving to Colorado. I had really been wanting to check out the Magnolia complex that Chip and Joanna had developed in downtown Waco and figured since I was already in Colorado why not take a quick detour to Waco before heading home? If I am being honest, I was a little unsure of what to expect and a little nervous about the fact that the politics and religion in the area do not really line up with my own. My left-leaning friends and family questioned why in the world I would choose to voluntarily immerse myself in a community that did not in anyway align with my personal feelings and beliefs. I replied that I really wanted to check out Magnolia Silos, but also I want my life experiences to expand my perspective by learning how people in other places live and think. That being said, I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to feel and I did have some moments of personal awkwardness (for example, when the tour guide said a prayer in the tour bus before we headed out to see the sights). However, I do firmly believe in the freedom of speech and freedom of religion, so given that deep faith and conservative values are a cornerstone of this part of the country I opened myself up to their way of doing things. I went in with an open mind and looked forward to exploring the area. My point to all this is to say don't let stereotypes and impressions close you off to new places and experiences. Be open to learning about what makes each place different and unique. I am glad I took the opportunity to check it out, because Waco has some hidden gems that I am glad I got to experience. Waco is approximately an hour and a half drive from Dallas, an hour and a half drive from Austen and a three hour drive from San Antonio. So, if you find yourself in any of those Texas cities, consider taking your own detour to Waco to explore this revitalized city. Here are the hidden gems you can discover in Waco: Magnolia Silos (of course!): Entrance to the Magnolia Silos Complex The Magnolia Silos complex is a major tourist attraction. Twenty years ago Chip and Joanna Gaines opened a small home decor retail store on Bosque Boulevard in Waco. Since that time, their business has grown to a full-blown empire and includes a hit TV show, a whole broadcasting network (the Magnolia network which has a lot of other home centered shows), a line of products at Target (Hearth & Home), a hotel (The Hotel 1928 opening this November), and of course the Magnolia Silos complex. Shopping at the Magnolia Silos was the main draw for my visit to Waco. It was everything I expected it to be and I LOVED it. Read about everything you can see and do at the Magnolia Silos complex in my recent blog . A Bus Tour of Waco with Waco Tours: Waco Tours Logo I love doing tours when I first get to a new place. They give you the history of the area and point out highlights so you can plan your agenda for the rest of your stay. Waco Tours has several different tour options, including a River Cruise which was rated #1 in North America by USA Today. I didn't have a chance to do that one, but I did their Classic 2.5 hour bus tour around Waco and it was fantastic! The tour guides were some of the best I have ever had. They got to know each person's name and were able to relate certain parts of the tour to personal tidbits we had shared when we got on the tour bus! They were energetic and friendly and knew their Waco history. The tour takes you through several Waco neighbors and tourist sites and explains the ups and downs of Waco history. In 1953 a violent and deadly tornado ripped through downtown Waco killing and injuring hundreds as well as destroying multiple structures. The city was devastated after this tornado and struggled for a long time to rebuild. That makes the financial infusion that Chip and Joanna Gaines have brought to the area that much more significant. Some of the Tour Stops: Fixer Upper Homes: The tour company was started by two couples who had their house renovated on the Fixer Upper show, so you know that drive bys of several of the popular Fixer Upper projects are included on the tour. I like the show, but am not up on each particular project. Some of my fellow tourists knew the specific houses from each episode and were very familiar with the ones we drove by. A Popular Fixer Upper House on the Tour William Cameron Park: The tour also took us on a beautiful drive through William Cameron Park which is a 416 acre nature oasis in the middle of Waco. The Park is located alongside the Brazos and Bosque Rivers and has a zoo, playgrounds, a disc golf course, breathtaking cliff views, access to two rivers and miles of trails that are part of the multi-use National Recreation Trail system. Learn more about this amazing natural site here . Cliffside View From William Cameron Park Heritage Creamery and Common Grounds: A nice addition to the tour is a stop by Heritage Creamery and Common Grounds, two local businesses that provide the tour group with samples! Heritage Creamery and Common Grounds are located next to the Baylor Campus and are a popular student hangout. The iconic photo spot in the first picture of this blog is in the backyard area of Common Grounds. Make sure to stop and snap a photo and don't forget to sample the ice cream and coffee! Heritage Creamery: Heritage Creamery is an independently owned and locally operated ice cream shop with two locations in Waco. They use locally and responsibly sourced ingredients in their ice cream and other treats. Getting a free sample of delicious ice cream was my favorite part of the tour! Learn more about Heritage Creamery here . Common Grounds: Common Grounds is a locally owned coffee shop located across from the Baylor campus (and next to Heritage Creamery). It has a definite college vibe including weekly concerts in their backyard outside space. The backyard has a rock that you stand on for that Insta-worthy picture. They have a full menu of caffeine loaded drinks such as their legendary Cowboy Coffee selections using Common Grounds' proprietary secret sauce. There is also a section of drinks called "Sleep Is Overrated". Perfect for those college students pulling all nighters during Finals Week. Check out all of the caffeinated concoctions here . Waco Suspension Bridge and Bronze Cattle Drive Sculptures: The historic Waco Suspension Bridge was completed in 1870 and at the time was the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi. It spans the Brazos River and was once used to drive cattle across the River onto the Chisholm Trail. The ability to drive cattle or travel easily over the Brazos River provided an economic boost to the Waco area. The Bridge is flanked by parks. The Indian Springs Park entrance to the Bridge has life size bronze sculptures of cowboys driving long-horn cattle to the Bridge. These statues took my breath away as I walked toward the entrance of the Bridge. They are a must see if you are visiting Waco. Life Size Bronze Statues at Indian Springs Park The Bridge recently reopened after being closed for a few years for extensive rehabilitation work. I felt very lucky to be able to walk across the Suspension Bridge and feel like a part of history. After crossing the Suspension Bridge, I walked along the Brazos River on a path you can reach from the Bridge. It was a nice peaceful walk on a beautiful day (and I even spotted some wildlife!). Baylor University Campus: Waco is the home to Baylor University, a private Baptist Christian research university. The campus is beautiful and is worth a walk around. Baylor's mascot is the Bears and there are two real life cubs that live o the campus! When we drove by on the tour they were hibernating, but I was lucky enough to catch them out waiting for dinner when I was walking on the campus. It is easy to tell when they are active as there will be a crowd gathered around taking in their cuteness! Pat Neff Hall on Baylor Campus Dr Pepper Museum: Entrance to the Dr Pepper Museum Before my visit to Waco, I had no idea that Dr Pepper originated there. I am most certainly a Pepper (and wouldn't you like to be a Pepper, too?). I know some of you are old enough to understand this reference and are probably humming a little tune right now. But I digress...as I am a Pepper I was very interested to go check out the museum and learn about the history of Dr Pepper. The $10 fee to get in is very reasonable, especially since it includes a Dr Pepper drink of your choice straight from the soda fountain! Imma Pepper, You're a Pepper, Wouldn't You Like to Be a Pepper Too? I learned a lot of things I never knew about one of my favorite drinks. For instance did you know that when it was first developed it was promoted as a health drink? It was first formulated by Brooklyn-born pharmacist, Charles Alderman, while he was working at Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco. Initial promotion of the drink claimed it aided digestion and restored vim, vigor and vitality. Too bad for me that Dr Pepper is no longer promoted as a health aid. The Museum follows the origination of the Dr Pepper from a local favorite at a corner drug store in Waco to an internationally distributed product. It has examples of the variation of the branding and labeling over the years as well as the history of the manufacturing and bottling plant in downtown Waco that was partially destroyed by that tornado in 1953. There are exhibits of the Old Corner Drugstore as well as a section memorializing the sit-ins that occurred at diners and soda fountains across the country during the Civil Rights movements. Civil Rights Exhibit at the Dr Pepper Museum In addition to the general museum exhibits, the Dr Pepper Museum offers unique experiences such as Make a Soda, Taste a Soda, Paranormal Experience and Extreme Pepper Experience. These special experiences have an additional fee and require reservations. I didn't have a chance to add on any experience, but they sound pretty cool. Click here to read more about each experience and to make a reservation if you will be visiting the Museum. I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to visit the Dr Pepper Museum, but I can say I was pleasantly surprised with all of the history, memorabilia and exhibits it contained. Not to mention the delicious ice cold fountain drink at the end! As I said, you can get a free Dr Pepper drink (with flavoring added if you want) OR you can get a $1 off an upgraded drink like a Dr Pepper float. Check out the website for the Dr Pepper Museum here to see all the experiences and options available to you if you decide to visit. And you're welcome for giving you a great trivia game answer to the question "Where did Dr. Pepper originate?". Your friends will be impressed. So, Should You Visit Waco, Texas? If you find yourself in Texas within a few hours drive of Waco, my answer to that question is unequivocally yes! I was pleasantly surprised with all there was to see and do in Waco and I thoroughly enjoyed every experience I had. I am glad I took the opportunity to check out Waco while I was out that direction. From the amazing Magnolia Silos complex to the interesting Dr Pepper Museum and all the sights in between, Waco was a great little getaway. If you don't find yourself in that neck of the woods, I hope you enjoyed this virtual visit!

Excited to Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Several years ago, I was taking a road trip to visit my sister and her family in Chicago and we drove through Ohio. As we were passing Cleveland, I saw signs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and made a mental note that I wanted to visit some day. Well time passed and I never found myself anywhere near Cleveland, so I had yet to check the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame off my bucket list. When planning our recent cross-country trek to move Madison out West, I jumped at the opportunity to stop in Cleveland after our first day of driving. As luck would have it, we were leaving on a Thursday and Thursdays are the one day of the week the Hall of Fame stays open until 9! What are the odds? I took it as a sign and booked tickets for us to go! We got into Cleveland around 3:30. Just enough time to freshen up and make our 5 pm entrance time. That is Rock Star planning if I do say so myself! I thoroughly enjoyed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and highly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in Cleveland. As an aside, Cleveland was a really cool city that Madison and I both enjoyed. So even if you don't have a specific reason to go, it is certainly worth a visit to check it out AND go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Entrance: Insta-worthy Front Entrance of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located right in downtown Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. The entrance is marked by life size red letters saying "Long Live Rock" in front of glass pyramid buildings making for a great Insta-worthy photo op. You can sit in the big "O" or stand among the letters if you like, but you will probably need to go early or late in order to avoid other tourists in your photo because everyone is trying to capture that shot! Once you enter into the building, you will see a message "Welcome to the House that Rock Built" letting you know you are entering onto sacred ground. You will also be greeted with a life-size car hanging from the ceiling covered in glass like a disco ball, as well as a giant size hot dog hanging over the escalator. The car is a Trabant used in U2's Zoo TV tour. The giant hot dog was used by the band Phish to fly across Boston Garden on December 31, 1994. These props were donated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where they now soar over visitors' heads. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also has the original awning, graffitied walls and other important pieces of CBGB, the iconic East Village music club in NYC. Catch a glimpse in the video above or take a closer look in the photo below. These original artifacts were donated to the Hall of Fame shortly after the iconic punk rock club closed down in 2008. I didn't know that CBGB stands for "Country Bluegrass and Blues" which is the kind of music the original owner, Hilly Kristal, intended to have. However, the club became famous for launching the careers of several punk rock and new wave bands such as the Ramones, Blondie, B-52s, and the Talking Heads. From the 1980's onward, CBGB was primarily a hardcore punk venue. Apparently OMFUG was added later and stands for "Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers" (with gourmandized meaning a voracious eater...in this case of good music). CBGB has played a significant role in the history of rock and roll and so it is really cool to see the original CBGB items as an exhibit. Original CBGB Awning Main Gallery at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Visitors enter the building on Level 1 where they take tickets and hungry customers can grab a quick snack or bite to eat at the café. An escalator will take visitors down to Level 0 (under the Trabant and the giant hot dog and past the CBGB awning). The main gallery of the Hall of Fame museum is located on Level 0. It includes exhibits on how rock and roll music developed from roots of gospel, blues, rhythm & blues, folk, country and bluegrass music. It also features exhibits on cities that majorly impacted rock and roll such as Detroit, Memphis, London, Liverpool, San Francisco, Los Angles, New York and Seattle. I particularly enjoyed exhibits about the push back against rock and roll music and the various protests that occurred across the United States trying to prevent radio stations from playing rock and roll music. "Moral panic" overtook the country with some having issue with Elvis' gyrating pelvis and the "un-Christian" elements of rock and roll music. This ultimately lead to attempts to censor music by monitoring lyrics and the movement in the1990's to label music that was deemed to have suggestive or explicit words. There were also dedicated exhibits on influential artists such as the Beatles, Elvis, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, among others. When we visited there was a special exhibit about the illegal filming of a performance from the Beatle's last album on a rooftop in London. There were also displays of numerous guitars used by music legends over the years and handwritten notes from the creation of classic rock songs. Classic guitars from iconic rock stars See hand written lyrics from classic rock songs-artistry in progress! The Power of Rock Experience: We had to cut our time in the main Gallery short so we could zip up to the third floor to catch a showing of The Power of Rock Experience. This Experience is a short multi-sensory experience where flashing lights, rumbling seats and loud speakers make you feel like you are at a concert. The film is one of Jonathan Demme's final works and features concert highlights from some of the Hall of Fame inductees. It was such a cool experience and brought back memories of some amazing concerts I have seen over the years. As you exit the theater, there are several rock and roll relics displayed which add to the Experience. I couldn't take any pictures or videos inside the Experience, but I grabbed a shot of the entrance for prosperity! Entrance to the Power of Rock Experience Hall of Fame Inductees: As you come out of the Power of Rock Experience, you are on the third floor at the Hall of Fame section. There is an interactive section where you can cast your vote for future Hall of Fame Inductees. There are also displays showing who was inducted each year and interactive videos where you can watch your favorite inducted artist receiving the honor. Pink Floyd's The Wall Replica When you go up the stairs to the fourth floor, you are met with a HUGE replica of Pink Floyd's The Wall designed to mirror their famous Berlin performance on July 21, 1990. It was both mesmerizing and creepy at the same time! Interesting perspective of a rock star A section of The Wall replica By this time, we were getting hungry and it was getting late so it was time to go. I didn't get to see and experience everything at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so there are definitely additional things to see and do that I haven't even touched on. I hope this blog has inspired you to go check it out yourself and you can be surprised by any new temporary exhibits as well as those things I didn't get a chance to see myself. Please let me know if you do! After we left we got recommendations to go to The Flats to eat. The Flats is a popular area filled with restaurants and bars that is probably really happening on the weekends. We were there at an off time so it wasn't crowded, but we had a great meal and played some trivia at Punch Bowl Social. If you visit Cleveland, check it out (or any of the other cool restaurants in The Flats). LONG LIVE ROCK! Peace Out Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! .

Rhinebeck is a charming, historic town nestled in New York's scenic Hudson Valley. It is just a short distance from both New York City and upstate New York, making it a perfect day trip destination. It is small in size, but filled to the brim with unique stores, great restaurants, relaxing spas and plenty of places to stay if you want to extend your visit. You can book a room at the Beekman Arms Inn which is the oldest Inn in America! I stopped to explore Rhinebeck after a trip to the Walkway Over the Hudson. There are many other interesting destinations close to Rhinebeck if you want to make a weekend of your visit. For example, it is just a short drive to National Historic Sites such as the Vanderbilt Mansion, the Home of Franklin D.; Roosevelt in Hyde Park, and the Eleanor Roosevelt House in Val-Kill. The artsy town of Hudson is also close by. The region is filled with so many different things to do, you may have a hard time choosing and will have to come back for another visit! I focused my afternoon on really exploring the village of Rhinebeck and had a wonderful time. The "four corners" area, with Beekman Arms Inn sitting on one corner, marks the center of town where a lot of the action occurs. Down the tree-lined street are many unique specialty stores that sell all kinds of things from jewelry, clothing, gifts, art, and most anything else you are looking for. My Favorite Rhinebeck Spots: Here were some of my favorite spots that I discovered on my visit to Rhinebeck: Adel Chefridi Jewelry Studio and Gallery. I was especially interested in checking out this this store as Silverado Jewelry Gallery in Saratoga Springs (where I worked part-time) sells his jewelry. Adel's wife was in the store on the day I visited and was kind enough to walk me through all the collections and show me his studio in the back of the store where the magic happens. She invited some other customers to check it out as well so I think she would be happy to show anyone who was interested. Their jewelry is beautiful and it so cool to have specialty pieces made by someone in our own backyard. Check out his designs here . Periwinkles at Rhinebeck. Periwinkles showcases local artisans and sells handmade soaps and lotions, bath fizzies, homemade dog treats and dog lover gifts, jewelry, home decor items, and some women's apparel. I found the cutest pink and cream plaid shacket that I love! Shop on-line here . Paper Trail. A wonderful store that sells fine paper, custom invitations, personal accessories, unique gifts and home decor. It is a great place to find a gift for that discerning person who loves high quality stationery or is hard to buy for. They have a wide selection of items. Browse their offerings here . Samuel's Sweet Shop. Perhaps my favorite store in Rhinebeck (no surprise there if you know me and my sweet tooth!). Samuel's Sweet Shop is widely known and is a destination spot for many because it is owned by actors Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton. The store sells a variety of throwback candy, handmade caramels and chocolates and the famous Rice Krispie treats with a picture of your favorite owner. I have to confess I sampled a few different items and they were all yummy! Check out their selection here . After browsing the shops, I was getting hungry for lunch. There are many dining options in Rhinebeck, both fine dining and casual atmosphere. I went with casual and historic and ate lunch at Foster's Coach House Tavern. Foster's has been an operating tavern since 1890 and has occupied its location on the "four corners" for 125 years. The vibe was laid back and cozy and the cheeseburger and Toasted Almond drink I had were delicious! I highly recommend. View their full menu here . If you have time, right next to Foster's Coach House Tavern is Upstate Films. A non-profit arts organization owns the movie house with a mission to enrich lives through cinema. They offer an alternative to the mass distribution movie theaters we usually go to. Read more about them here . Rhinebeck is a great destination for the day or for a weekend. You will find plenty to do and see no matter how much time you spend in this quaint little village.

Hudson is a vibrant small city located between New York City and Albany. It is surrounded by farm country that serves as an agricultural district at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement and is bordered to the west by the Hudson River. This setting adds natural beauty to the stunning architectural beauty in the city limits. Hudson is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon (or weekend), especially if you love antiques, art, history, architecture, great shopping, and excellent food! I think everyone should fall into one of those categories making Hudson a great destination that has something for each traveler in your group. Hudson's Interesting (and Tawdry) History Hudson started as a whaling port in the 1700's and was also used to get ships out to sea without drawing attention from the Royal Navy. Hudson was the first chartered city in the US in 1785 and the first planned American city based on a modern grid. As whaling declined, it became a thriving industrial hubs with lots of factories and manufacturing, but it also became known for added "entertainment" to sailors and laborers in the form of bars, gambling and brothels that existed all over the city in semi-secrecy. Many of the homes on Diamond Street were converted to brothels and it is rumored that the longest running craps game in history (two and a half years!) took place at one of these establishments in Hudson. During prohibition, Hudson became a major supplier of illicit beer to New York. It is believed that beer runners used a tunnel to the waterfront to secretly fill the barges with beer. Hudson's "wild" side came to a quick and abrupt end in the 1950's when FBI agents sealed off every entrance to the city and began making arrests (starting in the brothels on Diamond Street!).Some of those arrested were members of law enforcement! These facts and more can be found on the Visit Hudson NY website . Hudson Is An Architectural Lover's Haven When Hudson's fortune as a whaling port and subsequent manufacturing hub eventually declined, Hudson was ignored as a candidate for urban renewal. As a result, many of the city's historic buildings have remained in tact. Various architectural styles from each era in the city's history remain and many have been restored and meticulously maintained. This gives visitors to Hudson the ability to walk through architectural history as they wander the streets. There are architectural examples of 18th Century Nantucket, Federal style buildings, Victorian and 20th century Arts and Crafts style structures scattered throughout the city. Hudson Has the Best Antique Shopping in the Northeast If you are an antique lover, you have probably already spent some time browsing the various antiques dealers in Hudson. Hudson has been dubbed one of the best destinations for antique hunters. It makes sense in view of the restoration and renewal that has occurred over the years in Hudson. All of those restored structures must have contained a treasure trove of antiques and historically relevant items. You can be the star of your own "American Picker" show as you dig through all of the treasures with other antique hunters. There are several antique and vintage stores on Warren Street and the surrounding area. There is also a huge Antique Warehouse on the river front (where Hudson Brewing Company is also located just in case you are in need of sustenance after all that antique shopping). Hudson Has Amazing Local Shopping As Well Warren Street is the main commercial thoroughfare in Hudson and it is filled with local shops selling those previously mentioned antique and vintage items, designer clothes and accessories, jewelry, home decor and furniture, vinyl records, books, gifts, gourmet cheese, wine and chocolates...the list goes on. There is a vibrant mix of businesses that offer unique and hand-crafted items. There is a very artsy vibe in the town which is enhanced by the many art galleries, performance venues and shops selling the unique crafts. Find a list of all of the shops in Hudson here . Here are a few of my favorite stores on Warren Street: Hudson Clothier : A clothing store for men and women with all American made items. They had some awesome accessories like bold jewelry, leather belts and adorable leather purses. Their selection of women's clothing was great with both trendy and classic options to create the foundation of your wardrobe with quality American made products. You can pre-browse their selections here . loup: Another women's.clothing store, but it's styles focus specifically on "real-women" with curves and they offer a selection of pants that claim to have the "perfect fit with modern ease". I didn't make a purchase that day, but they had some very cute styles and I am definitely considering a purchase on line to try them out (since I am one of those "real women" they are targeting!). They had several other cute t-shirts and sweatshirts with trendy sayings (including an iconic line from Jennifer Coolidge in last season's White Lotus...how did they get it out so fast?!?). You can check out their styles here . If you make a purchase, let me know what you think! Grapefruit Wines: Unfortunately this store was closed when we were visiting. I put it on my list of favorites anyway because it looks so cute and I want to taste the grapefruit wine they sell! I guess it gives me a specific reason to head back to Hudson! The Spotty Dog Books & Ale: The Spotty Dog is a charming bookstore with a full bar inside! To me, there is nothing like the feel and smell of a bookstore. I miss going into a cozy little bookstore and browsing around. Here you can do it with your favorite adult beverage! Hudson is a Foodie Mecca As Well Due to Hudson's location in the middle of an agricultural community that was at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, it is no surprise that there are plenty of delicious restaurants to try when you visit. Because there is an abundance of produce and products from the local farms nearby (including many from organic, heirloom and biodynamic farmers), Hudson is an attractive location for both star and up and coming chefs to open restaurants in town. Here are some of the restaurants that caught my eye (but there are many more so do your research before you go): Grazin' Farm to Table: Direct: We grabbed a quick lunch at Grazin' Farm to Table: Direct, an organic diner and the first Animal Welfare Approved restaurant in the world. All of the meat served at the diner comes from a farm that is also owned by the owners of Grazin'. A majority of the other ingredients used come from organic and local/in-state farms. The owners also started Grazin' Spirits and Unburdened Distillery that produces gin, vodka and craft bourbon aged in white oak barrels made in the Adirondacks. You can sample the Unburdened spirits in the newly created tasting room at Grazin'. Check out the full Grazin' story and their menu on their website . Bar Bene: Bar Bene is a speakeasy style wine bar on Warren Street with a gift store in the front. Bar Bene was operating on winter hours and was closed when we were there, but we stopped in to browse in the gift shop and I captured some pictures of the bar area. It has a cool, vintage feel in the bar area and I would definitely check this out if it is open when you visit. Check out what they are pouring and what they are serving when you visit by checking out their website here . Baba Louie's: This restaurant serves all-natural, wood-fired sourdough pizza. They are "gluten free and vegan everyday". We didn't stop here this time, but it was packed for lunch so to me that means it must be delicious! They also have take and bake options! Check it out here . Culture Cream: Culture Cream serves probiotic living ice creams and sorbets made with kefir and kombucha. Again, we didn't have time to stop but it sounds really interesting! I'd like to try it out on my next visit. Check out all of their unique flavors and a description of their "healthy" ice cream here . Their tag line is "Get Cultured. Eat Culture Cream". Love it! Hudson Brewing Company: In the spirit of Hudson's infamous history as a supplier of illicit beer during Prohibition, having a craft brewery in Hudson only seems fitting. However, when Hudson Brewing Company opened in 2015 it was surprisingly the first brewery in Hudson since Prohibition. Hudson Brewing Company is a little off the main Warren Street drag. It is located in the large Antique Warehouse by the river front. After an afternoon of shopping on Warren Street, we took the short drive over to Hudson Brewing Company for a quick refreshment. In addition to the bar where you can sample the various craft beers (and cider), they have an outdoor food truck to provide something to gnosh on while you sip. It has a very cool and casual atmosphere with a great outdoor space when weather is warmer. We were able to catch the end of the Buffalo Bills game at the same time! Win/Win! Conclusion..Get Yourself to Hudson for a Day Trip or a Weekend Getaway! Hudson is a perfect day trip from NYC or Saratoga (or other upstate locations). There is a lot to see and several restaurants you may want to try, so Hudson would be a great place for a weekend getaway as well. It was a little dead in January, but it would be so much fun to visit in the Spring, Summer or Fall when things are bustling and everything is open. Hudson has a little something for everyone and I love its' cool, artsy vibe. I highly recommend a visit!

My First Solo Trip! Getting divorced after 25 years of marriage definitely brings about a lot of changes. One of the most personally challenging to me is the loss of my built-in travel partner. For the past quarter century, I always had someone with me when I traveled (when the kids were younger there were multiple "someones"). My ex-husband and I both liked to travel and explore new areas so we constantly planned trips and getaways. Over the years we drifted and were no longer marriage compatible, but we never lost the travel compatibility and always had fun traveling together. After we separated, I still wanted to travel but found myself feeling scared to venture forth by myself. I solved this problem initially by planning my epic California road trip with my friend Ann and taking several long weekend getaways with my oldest daughter, Madison. Madison and I also went to Jamaica, somewhere I had always wanted to go. But I quickly realized that Madison probably doesn't always want to go on vacation with her mother (although I don't know why...I am a lot of fun!) and friends aren't always available to travel. I needed to be brave and begin venturing out by myself. So I planned my first solo trip to Seattle, Washington, a place I have wanted to explore for a long time. I was pleasantly surprised at how empowering traveling solo turned out to be. Don't get me wrong, it had its challenges. But now that I have figured out that I actually enjoy the benefits solo travel provides, I look forward to planning many more solo adventures! I still plan to travel and explore with my daughters and my friends, but I will definitely mix in solo trips because it is such a different experience! This blog sets out the Good, the Bad and the Ugly a solo traveler (especially a female solo traveler) must deal with when venturing out on her own. The Good I can do what I want on my own schedule. No other conflicting preferences to consider! No waiting for someone to wake up or finish their morning routine before heading out. In Seattle, I explored things and joined excursions that I might have missed if I had to compromise with travel companions who were interested in different things. I could spend as long as I wanted to at some sights (like the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum which was amazing) while I breezed through others that weren't as interesting to me. I can set my own budget. I can stay in a fancy hotel or book a cheaper alternative depending on how I feel. I can choose to eat at less expensive diners or fast food places or sit down at a fancy restaurant. I can sign up for whatever excursions I want without worrying if someone else wants to spend their money on that activity. I found myself much more outwardly focused. I paid attention to my surroundings taking in sights as I walked around instead of being focused on conversations or distracted by interactions with my family or friends. I also met many more locals as I would sit at the bar for meals and always ended up chatting with the bartenders or fellow customers. I also spent more time talking to people I interacted with in stores or on tours. I learned so much more about the area from these conversations and got a better sense of what it is like to live there as opposed to just being a tourist. I also learned insider tips for visiting the area from these locals that I wouldn't have learned if I wasn't dining by myself! My confidence in myself grew throughout the trip as I navigated logistics and disruptions all on my own, walked into restaurants and ate meals by myself, made friends with strangers and explored a whole new city. I learned about myself. How I like to travel, what I really prefer to do, what interests me, what the edge of my comfort zone is, how bold I can be. When forced to face your fears and insecurities, you find out what you are really capable of and what your strengths are. The Bad Despite the benefits I listed above about eating alone, it can feel really awkward and lonely sometimes. If I don't happen to sit next to a chatty customer or the bartender is busy, it can be uncomfortable just sitting by myself while everyone else is laughing and talking with their dining companions. Looking at my phone is always a good distraction, but I feel like it is a waste of opportunity when I am sitting in an exciting new environment that is waiting to be discovered. Same thing can be said for a book, but that is always an option to reduce solo anxiety. Along the same lines, it can be awkward when you show up to excursions or tourist attractions by yourself. When I went to ride the Great Wheel in Seattle, it felt a little embarrassing to say I was a party of one and be placed in my own ferris wheel compartment alone. One the other hand, it was also a very zen moment to travel around the Great Wheel in silence looking at the Seattle skyline. Silver linings... Pictures. After my Seattle trip I had tons of scenery pictures (which are lovely but get boring) and several selfies from that awkward angle (you know the one). Let's just say I need to improve my selfie game as I continue to travel alone. People are always willing to take your picture, but again I need to work on my solo photo posturing so I am not just awkwardly standing there. Once my daughter Taylor was on a solo excursion to Liverpool and took the Beatles tour. When she asked the tour guide to take her picture at Strawberry Fields he asked the obvious "Just you?" and Taylor awkwardly said "yes". As if that wasn't uncomfortable enough, at the next stop when she asked him to take a picture of her at the next iconic spot he said "Just you?" again! She wanted to say "Yes...I didn't pick up a traveling companion between Strawberry Fields and here!" Anyway, this isn't the worst problem in the world and there are solutions, but it is definitely something that is a struggle when traveling alone. During the day when I had down time, I really noticed my aloneness. If I were traveling with someone, that would be a time that we would normally stop and grab a drink at some cute pub or cafe that strikes our fancy or just chill somewhere relaxing and chat. When you are alone and in between activities it can feel really lonely. Not that I couldn't drop in and have a drink by myself somewhere, but it does get tiring constantly showing up for meals and tours alone so sometimes I just don't feel like being an extroverted solo traveler. Usually during these transition times I try to find cute local stores to browse or I go back to the hotel room to freshen up or chill out before my next activity. The Ugly Safety. There is no getting around it, a female solo traveler must take extra.precaution to be safe. Sometimes it is just not smart to walk around by yourself or go to places alone. My inaugural solo trip was to Seattle and the location were I was staying had a lot of homeless in the area who appeared to be struggling with addiction or mental health disorders. While I certainly feel badly about their situation, it didn't feel particularly safe for me to be out and about by myself at night. I would try to return to my hotel room every night by 7 before dark. This limited my experience of Seattle nightlife. One of the locals I met bartended at a unique bar with specialty cocktails and he suggested I check it out. As I felt uncomfortable being out late by myself I was unable to see if this bar was a "hidden gem" I could recommend on my blog. Even during the day there can be risks. In Seattle, I was in close proximity to a violent interaction between an Uber driver and a pedestrian that involved pepper spray, a chokehold and a throwdown! Being in that situation by myself was very scary and unsettling. Solo Travel...Still an Amazing Experience! All in all, my experience of traveling alone was amazing and something I look forward to doing again. The freedom, the personal growth benefits and the self confidence boost you get from venturing out on your own outweighs any uncertainties and anxieties about traveling by yourself. You don't need to jump into the deep end like I did with a whole week in a new large city! If you are more of a "dip your toe in the water" kind of person, just start with a solo weekend getaway closer to home and reap the benefits of a little alone time. You will come back a changed person!

"The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir Growing up in Colorado, I took the mountains for granted. The Rocky Mountains were a constant backdrop to my days and mainly served as a convenient reference for this directionally challenged girl (in Denver, mountains are always to the west). Don't get me wrong, I took advantage of living so close to the mountains. On a sunny day I might pause to admire them in the distance and I frequently took day trips to enjoy skiing with family or friends. But it wasn't until I took a recent ski vacation to Breckenridge that I feel like I truly appreciated the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rockies for the first time. I have lived on the East Coast for the past 17 years, so I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder. Breckenridge is a former mining town that started as a gold rush base camp in the 1850's. This history gives the town a quaint Victorian feel that is preserved in the Breckenridge National Historic District which runs along Main Street in the center of the town. Colorfully painted buildings from the 1880's and 90's house over 300+ boutiques, shops and restaurants. Breckenridge is a year-round resort that has so much to offer it should be a "must see" on your travel bucket list. Here are a few of the highlights to encourage you to start planning your own mountain getaway. Best Place to Stay: Breckenridge is filled with hotels and condos so you should have no problem finding a place to stay. My go-to is to reserve a condo/house through Airbnb. I usually find a spacious place that is cheaper then a hotel room and we then have access to a kitchen to help cut costs on eating out. The condo we stayed at in Breckenridge was beautiful and had an awesome location walking distance to the lifts on Peak 9 and the downtown area. I highly recommend it! Best Things to Do: Ski or snowboard, of course! Breckenridge is mostly known as a ski area, so skiing and snowboarding are the most obvious choices. The ski area has 5 Peaks (Peaks 6-10), 187 ski trails, 2,908 acres to ski or board and the highest lift-served terrain in North America! Each Peak has its' own "personality, charm and stats". Check out the descriptions for each Peak here . In addition to incredible runs, Breck (as the locals call it) also offers a few different terrain parks for the more adventurous among us. The expansiveness of the area calls for some planning when you are skiing. You need to make sure that towards the end of the day you will end up at the bottom of the Peak closest to your accommodations. But no worries, if you don't end up in the right spot, there are free shuttles that can take you back to your starting location. If you aren't a ski/snowboard enthusiast, do not despair! Breck offers many other options. In the winter, you can go tubing, snowmobiling or cross country skiing. If you find yourself in the mountains in the spring or summer, there are awesome hiking trails, bike trails/paths and alpine slides. There is no shortage of outdoor activities to keep you occupied. If you are tuckered out from all of the mountain activities, take a rest day and leisurely stroll down historic Main Street. Wander in and out of the local stores (see my favorites in Where to Shop below), check out the art galleries and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants (see What to Eat below). Main Street is also a beautiful place for a night time stroll. YOU CAN SKIP: The outlets in Dillon. They are run down and many stores are closed. It is not worth the drive to Dillon. There were more interesting shops right in Breckenridge! Best Places to Eat: Breckenridge has a plethora of different restaurants to satisfy any craving you may have. We used the kitchen in our condo to fix most meals. You can buy groceries at the Safeway or the Walmart just a short trip down the road in Frisco. But who wants to cook every night on vacation? So we did take the opportunity to eat at a few of the local spots. Here are some of my favorites: Flipside Burgers: Flipside is a chef-driven burger and shake joint. They use locally sourced ingredients and the burgers are made with grass-fed beef. Many of the burgers and shakes are created interesting ingredients and gourmet flair. They also offer grilled chicken sandwiches and other tasty entrees. One of the best cheeseburgers I have ever had! Find more information and the menu here . Fiesta Jalisco: One thing I have missed living on the East Coast is authentic Mexican food! I hit the jackpot here. Fiesta Jalisco is a family owned restaurant with authentic Mexican cuisine. They provide delicious food and fast table service. The margarita was the finishing touch! Find more information and the menu here . Breckenridge Brewery: One of the nation's top craft breweries is located right on Main Street in Breckenridge. They still brew all their beers on site so you can't get a fresher beer on tap. They have a tasty pub menu with typical bar food so you can drink your craft beers on a full stomach. Find more information about their various craft beers and the menu here . Mountain Top Cookie Shop: You cannot come to Breckenridge and not stop at the Mountain Top Cookie Shop! There is always a line (which should tell you something), but the cookies are worth the wait. You can get your favorite Chocolate Chip cookie, but Mountain Top takes it to the next level with the variety of flavors you can choose from. To make it easier for you to pick, they offer a Buy 6, Get 2 Free deal. If you are a real bargain hunter, you can buy day old packs in the store. They do ship cookies world wide so you don't have to wait to get to Breckenridge to try these yummy treats! Order here . Crepes Ala Cart: DISCLAIMER: I did not actually eat at Crepes Ala Cart. However, my sister gave a glowing review of the crepes served out of a trailer on Main Street. Even without my sister's input, I would have figured out that this was a hot spot given the long line at any given time. Therefore, I would be remiss if I did not include this spot on the Where to Eat list. Crepes Ala Cart offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory crepes and you also have the option to create your own unique Crepe! Will definitely have to brave the line the next time I am in Breckenridge! See all of your choices here . Best Places to Shop: There are so many great shops to wander in and out of as you stroll up and down Main Street and the surrounding area. The stores run the gamut from fine art to tacky tourist souvenirs, fashionable clothing to T-shirts/sweatshirts splashed with "Breckenridge", unique home decor to unusual decorative socks. Anything you are looking for, you can probably find on Main Street. Two particular stores stood out to me and I went back to browse more than once! First, Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk sounds just like its name. It is an eclectic store filled with all kinds of "funk" and "junk". You can spend hours roaming in this store looking at everything crammed into the space in an artsy, decorative manner; new unique gift items masterfully interwoven with old antiques that are all available for purchase. The second store I loved was Ruby Jane's which sells women's clothing, shoes, jewelry and unique home decor items. Again, products are artfully displayed and the whole vibe is very calming and cozy. SO WHAT'S STOPPING YOU? Even if the current ski season is wrapping up, you can get started planning a Colorado mountain getaway at Breckenridge for next season. Or, if you don't want to wait that long, Breck has plenty to offer during the summer, so pack your bags! Let's go!

Iconic Red Rock Formations in the Foothills of Denver I turned 60 last September and such milestone birthdays have a tendency to make you think about the life you have lived so far. For me that journey includes living in several different states and towns. As I think back on the various places I've called home, I realize there is a piece of every place I've lived inside of me. Each town, each home, each street that once held my footprints still lingers reminding me of who I was at that time. Some places left gentle imprints; others carved themselves into my soul, shaping me in ways I'll never fully understand. My current home is in Saratoga Springs, New York and the life I have created in this place is one I truly love. It was forged out of sadness, strength, hope and finally joy following my divorce. Saratoga Springs will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where I finally became the truest version of myself. I discovered the kind of person I want to be and the things that are important to me. I found out (or remembered) I am a strong, resilient and independent woman and can do whatever I set my mind to. These realizations have been life changing and Saratoga Springs may be the final place I call home. But of all the places I've called home, the one that holds the deepest roots is Colorado. Colorado is the place that built the foundation for everything that followed. At this point, Colorado is the place I spent the most years. My parents moved our family to Colorado in 1970 and Northglenn (a suburb of Denver) is basically the first hometown I really remember. The Etscheid Family Circa 1970 (or 1971) To me, Colorado is more than just a pin on the map; it is the place that holds my heart. Not only because my parents, my sister and her family, and most recently Madison, my oldest daughter, live there, but because the essence of who I am, what I value and the things I still love today were all influenced by growing up in Colorado. Colorado is certainly a beautiful state. The bright blue sky, the over 300 days of sunshine, the Rocky Mountain skyline...just a few of the things that come to mind when I think of my old home state. But more important than that, are the aspects of my personality that make me a Coloradoan even when I have lived in upstate New York for the last 20 years! I'm sure readers of this blog can look back at their childhood hometown (or hometowns if there was more than one) and see how that specific location molded them and still impacts them today. It is crazy how subtly these places shape us and create the lens through which all other life experiences are viewed. As my parents age, I have been making more frequent trips back to my old stomping grounds and that is what triggered this reflection. As I drive around Denver passing familar haunts I am flooded with memories. I vividly remember the heart and mind of the young girl who grew into a young woman in this place. This is where I experienced most of the huge milestones of life... my first boyfriend, high school and college (and the resulting graduations), my first "adult" job out of college, my first professional job after law school, getting married, and having both of my girls (with lots of other "firsts" in between). Although I have experienced a lot more life since then, that Colorado girl is still very much a part of who I am today. 1986 Alum of Colorado State University For example, I am an avid sports fan and that can absolutely be traced back to the sports-crazed town of my youth. I became a Bronco fan first and that was disappointing for many years (the Craig Morton years, iykyk) and VERY exciting for many years after that (those awesome John Elway years). I actually went to a Super Bowl rally by myself with newborn Madison strapped to my chest in a Baby Bjorn. We were actually highlighted in a Rocky Mountain News article about Bronco fans! Then came the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche (going to the Stanley Cup in the first year there!). Colorado natives love their sports and the society revolves around the Denver sports teams. When we moved to upstate New York, I immediately missed that energy and have tried to jump on the bandwagon of various New York teams, but since NY fandom is split between several different teams, it just isn't the same. I am alone among most of my female friends in NY by wanting to watch major sporting events and following the stats. That definitely comes from my Denver upbringing where EVERYONE was a super fan! I really, really miss the sports town energy so whenever I am visiting, I try to attend at least one Colorado sporting event. Can't believe I only rated myself a 7 as a Super Fan...but I am still definitely not a face painter! Supporting the Colorado Avalanche Scored Last Minute Tickets to Last Year's Game 1 Playoff Game Against the Lakers I am also a huge lover of music and used to pride myself on being on top of up and coming artists. My favorite station in Denver is KBCO, an alternative rock station, which highlights musicians that are new and more off-beat. The music of my teens and 20's was broad and diverse thanks to that station and I miss having an easy way to stay current. As soon as I get back into Denver putting KBCO on the radio takes me back in time (some of the DJs are still the same) and I always learn of some new bands that I can't wait to research more. On my latest visit I learned of a new band from Ireland called The Inhalers. There's a little insider music tip for you. Another part of my Colorado music foundation was going to concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I took for granted the amazing concert venue right in my own back yard. Now that I have moved away I realize what a gift it was to experience live music at such a spectacular place. Madison actually lives fairly close to Red Rocks and you can see the iconic rock formations from the road. Whenever I see them I remember all the shows that form treasured memories in my mind...several Jimmy Buffet concerts, Sting, Pat Benatar, Jefferson Airplane, UB40, Loverboy, Billy Squire, Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson, the Beach Boys, the list goes on. As I mentioned, my taste was diverse and I loved every show I saw there. If you are around my age and reading this I am sure that list takes you down memory lane as well. All I can say is I am glad there is no photographic evidence of some of the crazy times at Red Rocks...especially those Jimmy Buffet concerts! Red Rocks Amphitheatre Of course growing up in Colorado, skiing was a given. I grew up driving west on I-70 VERY early on weekend mornings (because my dad had to get there before the lifts started). I have years of fond memories skiing with friends and family. I gave it up for many years once we moved to the northeast, but I have recently picked it back up and I missed it! Luckily skiing is like riding a bike and the skills come right back (however the ski leg muscles may need some work!). It is crazy how my brain remembers the ski trails and lodges of the Colorado areas I skied for all those years...it feels like no time has passed. I am so grateful to have grown up skiing in Colorado so that it is something I can jump back into now. Growing up and into adulthood, I used to ski a lot with my sister Brenda and my friend Laurie. On one of my recent visits back home I went to one of my favorite areas, Copper Mountain, and spent the day skiing with Brenda, Laurie, and now Madison! It brought back so many great memories and it was so fun. The awesome bluebird skiing day was pretty great too! Me Skiing Circa 1970s...Check Out That Groovy Ski Outfit! Miles of Trails Skied with Laurie (Circa 1990s) Back With My Trail Blazing Gang The people that became part of my life as I grew up in Colorado also had a huge impact on who I am today. Luckily, I am still in touch with several high school and college frients that live in Denver, so it is always great to see them when I return. These people knew me as a young child before the journey of life took me to different places and shaped my views. But they also know me now when the ups and downs of that journey have had impacts. Words can't describe the depths of those long time bonds. These friends know where I came from and we have the same old childhood stories (which we recount frequently on our visits). They also know my parents so as I struggle with their aging, and particularly my mom's Alzheimer's, it is so helpful to have people who have known them for years and remember them like I do. They Have Known Me FOREVER! Friends for Decades Even though the reason for my frequent trips back is sad (Alzheimer's SUCKS!), it has given me the opportunity to experience the gratitude of the things Colorado has given me and how it has shaped me. Through the pain of watching my parents age and my mom's memory slipping away, there is some comfort in wrapping myself in the memories of growing up here and surrounding myself with people who knew my parents as they were. My recent day of skiing with Laurie and my sister was filled with stories of my dad who taught me to ski and always drove us to the ski areas. We remembered his pointers on our skiing form AND advice on how to save money in the cafeteria ("Soup and apple is all you need! Don't spend a fortune on a hamburger!") There are memories of spending time with my mom around every corner. The first time we took Madison to see Santa at the Cherry Creek Mall. Our frequent trips to the neighborhood Target with Taylor while Madison was in kindergarten. Taylor still comments on the soda and popcorn my mom would grab to sustain her as we browsed the store finding toys for the girls and other things we didn't need. I laugh with my friends remembering how my mom would pile us in the car and drive us past our crushes houses before we could drive. Colorado holds so many cherished memories and with Madison living there again I am sure there are many more to come. If you haven't made a visit to your hometown in a while, I highly recommend a trip down memory lane. If you can't physically go, it is worth the time to reflect on where you grew up and see how it has influenced who you are today. Hopefully you will feel the same love and gratitude for the place that made you! Recent Visit Back to the Old Stomping Grounds

Annecy, France-Old Town I saw so many amazing places and incredible sights on my two week journey through the Alps, but one place in particular just touched my soul and made a huge impact on me. That place was Annecy, France. Annecy is a small alpine town in southeastern France (right by the border with Switzerland) that is nestled in the French Alps and situated right on Lac d'Annecy. For planning purposes, Annecy is about 40 minutes drive from Geneva, Switzerland; an hour and ten minute drive from Chamonix-Mont Blanc; and accessible by train from Paris. Annecy is called the "Venice of the Alps" because of the canal that winds through the center of the old town. From the moment I got off the bus, I was mesmerized by the scenery and the vibe of this place. I was immediately enchanted by the cobblestone streets; the full, colorful flower boxes; and the pastel colored buildings that line the canal in the Vielle Ville ("Old Town"). Not to mention the crystal blue water of Lac d'Annecy and magnificence of the surrounding mountain peaks of the French Alps. I had never heard of Annecy before my trip, but now I am contemplating getting a tourist visa and living in Annecy for an extended period! That's how much I loved it! Best Things to Do In Annecy: Stroll around Old Town and take in the sights and sounds of the area. There are frame-worthy pictures to be taken around every corner. You will especially want to snap a photo in front of Palais de I'lle, the historic turret that divides the River Thiou into two canals. It was built in the 12th century and is one of France's most photographed locations! The streets are lined with charming cafés and coffee shops, boutique stores and historic architecture. You feel like you have gone back in time and entered into the setting of a romance novel! I loved just wandering around and listening to the mixture of languages being spoken. But I especially love to listen to the magical sound of the French language. It is my goal to learn how to speak fluent French at some point. Palais de I'lle in Annecy, France If you are in Annecy on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday morning, you are very lucky! There is an open air market on these days selling fresh cheeses, meats, vegetables and fruits. I even picked up freshly made specialty Salted Carmel/Almond Nougat (which I ate before snapping a photo for this blog...oops!). You can often have samples of the cheeses and meats before you purchase. One cheese that is special to the area is Reblochan De Savoie. You have to sample it or eat a dish made with it (see below). It is delicious! You can also get Raclette, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese that is melted on an open fire for the best cheese fondue. Yum! You can purchase these cheeses in a vacuum packed bag so that you can bring it back home with you on the plane. Make sure to get to the market early because it closes down at 1:00. Take a cruise on Lake Annecy (or Lac d'Annecy if you want to sound like a local). Lake Annecy is the third largest lake in France and has the honor of being the cleanest lake in Europe! You can see the evidence in the pictures below. There are several cruise options varying in length of time, boat size and whether or not you get a meal. We opted for the short one hour commentary cruise (although commentary was only in French so I didn't get the full experience). Regardless, the views were amazing and it was fun to get out on the water on a beautiful day. Check out the Château d'Annecy, a castle that sits on the hill above the Old Town. There is a steep walk up from the center of Old Town or you can reach it by car. The castle now hosts a museum with local sculpture and art and a nature exhibit about animals and fish native to the area. There are also great views from the top of the hill. I didn't have time to go inside to the museum, but it is 5 Euro for adults and kids under 12 are free. Learn to Paraglide! I did not do this on this quick visit, but would seriously consider it if I do return for an extended stay. Apparently Annecy is the most famous paragliding site in Europe. I can only imagine the views from above as you set off from a peak in the Alps over the crystal blue Lake Annecy! Oh my! I left several things on my bucket list for my eventual return to this beautiful town! I still need to check out the Jardins de l'Europe (a large park right next to the lake with beautiful scenery and art sculptures), bike around the lake, lounge on the beaches, visit the Castle Museum, and so much more. Oh yeah, and as I said, I want to become fluent in French! I figure immersion in the culture for a month or two is the best way to accomplish that. Favorite Local Food in Annecy: One thing there is no shortage of in Europe is good food and Annecy is no exception! Annecy has several local dishes that you have to try when you visit. Our tour guide recommended that we try Tartiflette which is a dish using the local Reblochon cheese mentioned above with potatoes, lardons and onions. It is a signature dish for Annecy. Of course I took her suggestion (I mean, she is the expert!) and found a quaint little cafe, Le Beau Soleil, to try it out. Le Beau Soleil sits alongside the canal and had lovely ambiance for my relaxing lunch. You can find the menu here (but you may have to hit the Google translation button to view it in English). I ordered the Tartiflette des Aravis (which is the Tartitflette dish with bacon...which was actually just little bits of ham), a fresh salad and a glass of white wine. It was literally one of the most delicious meals of my whole trip! C'est très magnifique! If you don't go for the Tartiflette, another great option is to order Raclette fondue which is available almost everywhere. Raclette is a popular meal in Switzerland and France and you must try it at least once on your journey through the Alps. But my guess is you will have it more than one time because it is that good! After walking off my fullness from the Tartiflette, of course I had to sample the ice cream at Le Glacier des Alpes. It is considered to be one of the best ice cream shops in France! They have over 45 flavors so it is hard to choose (even for the most decisive), but I don't think you can go wrong with whatever choice you make. Again, there is no photo because I was too excited to begin enjoying my cone! I hope you can feel my love and enthusiasm for this charming little town. I was so unexpectedly surprised by the area and can't wait to go back! I definitely left my heart in Annecy. Who knows, maybe by the time you are planning your trip I will be living there and speaking fluent French so I can be your personal tour guide! Au Revoir!

Barcelona, Spain I can't believe it! Pretty soon I will set off on an adventure through Spain! I have been wanting to get back to Europe for a while now and an opportunity to join some friends on a group trip presented itself. I haven't been to Spain before so I am super excited! We are going on a journey organized by Gate 1 Travel starting in Lisbon, Portugal and then heading over to Spain to explore Seville, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada, Madrid and Barcelona. As I have shared before, I do love planning my own trips and truly enjoy doing the research to figure out what I want to see and do. But there is a definite advantage to booking a group travel trip and letting them handle the details of booking the hotels and planning the itinerary. All I have to do is think about what I want to pack (which as you may know is no easy task for me!). It is also nice to have them transport your luggage to each hotel room you stop at along the way. No lugging my huge suitcase up flights of stairs this trip! Phew! In addition to packing, there is always a bunch of organizing to do before leaving home for an extended trip. To make sure I don't forget anything, I have a checklist of all the things I need to do before leaving for an international vacation. My Checklist: Doublecheck entry requirements (passport, visa, vaccination requirements) and make sure all documentation is in order. Passport must have an expiration date more than six months past the return date. Make a copy or take a picture of passport and visa documentation in the event they are lost or stolen. This will provide all the information needed to obtain a replacement. Make sure I have enough medication to pack for the length of my entire trip. Given the frequency of airline delays and cancellations these days, I always pack up to an extra week of medications in case I am delayed getting home. If I don't have enough for this time period, refill prescriptions the week before departure. Make sure I have a sufficient supply of eye contacts to get me through my entire trip. If not, order new supply a week or two before departure. Locate my universal plug adapter, voltage converter and determine the required plug types for my destination. If I don't have what I need, make sure to purchase. Contact cell phone provider for information on roaming charges or international calling plans at my destination. Research tipping standards for location I am visiting, consider services I will be receiving that will require tipping (tour guides, trip organizer, tour bus driver, etc), and secure enough cash to cover these gratuities. Which leads to the next checklist item... Secure local currency for places I will be visiting so I have some handy for tips, small purchases, etc. Generally there are better rates of exchange overseas, but need to make sure I have enough to use when I first arrive. I usually find a bank ATM once I arrive to withdraw some cash. If you want to get currency before you leave, allow plenty of time to order the appropriate currency from your bank. This may take a few days. Call my credit union/bank to find out about ATM withdrawal fees and to advise of travel plans so they don't deny my card for possible fraud while I am abroad. Arrange for a pet sitter to take care of my cats while I am away. Make sure I have enough food and other supplies for the entire time. If not, restock. Arrange for mail to be held while away. Start to assess packing needs based on travel plans and climate of location so I can purchase anything I might need for my trip. A girl always needs a couple of new outfits when going on vacation! Start gathering all my items together so I am not scrambling trying to find things the night before! I am working on checking things off this list now so I can just relax and get excited for my Spanish adventure as it gets closer. If you don't already, be sure to follow me on Facebook (Rambleandroamblog) and Instagram (rambleandroamblog) to catch live and up to the minute updates of the beautiful sights of Portugal and Spain. See you on the flip side!

Ronna Phelps, the owner of Pongo Lifestyle is a lover of Great Apes, especially orangutans. She was a Volunteer Keeper's Assistant for orangutans and gorillas for 25 years. During that time, she became educated about these creatures and their habitat and became aware of the deforestation of palm oil crops and the direct impact that had on the existence of orangutans, gorillas and other inhabitants of the rainforest. Here are some facts listed on the Pongo Lifestyle website about the impact the Palm Oil Industry has had on orangutans: 80% loss of habitat over the last 30 years 90% population loss over the last 10 years 50% probability of extinction in the wild within the next 10 years In response, Ms. Phelps created a palm oil free skin care line named Pongo in honor of the orangutans. "Pongo" is the scientific name for the orangutan. Pongo became the first nationally and internationally distributed palm oil free body and skin care line. Ms. Phelps has since developed several other product lines: Rainforest Kisses (lip balms and bath products) Grape Ape (a line of kid's products) Rock of Apes (a body care and clothing line with a rock and roll edge) Camp Pongo (outdoor products) Pongo Pet (accessories and grooming products for pets) and Indah (body care with an exotic mix of floral and spice). All of these product lines came together to form Pongo Lifestyle, a business with a mission to sell luxurious cruelty-free and palm oil free products. Proceeds from the sale of items at Pongo Lifestyle help support Orangutan Project, Center for Great Apes and Orang Tan Repuiblik. The store's design is beautiful and artistic. There are amazing wall murals everywhere that were painted by a local artist. The store is filled with an eclectic mix of items, including all of the Pongo product lines created by Ms Phelps. I loved exploring all the nooks and crannies of this store admiring the selection of products, the merchandising displays and the artwork. And I felt good that my purchase helps out the Great Apes and orangutans. My sister and I spent a long time chatting with Ronna and her assistant learning about Ronna's background and the history of the Pongo product lines and the opening of the physical store location at 5738 South Rapp Street. Her story was so interesting and inspiring and her love for the Great Apes and orangutans was apparent. You can follow the store's instagram for more insight into its' products and mission! "ONE CHANGE DAILY CAN HELP GREAT APES AND OTHER INHABITANTS OF THE RAINFOREST" -Rhonna Phelps