I love traveling. It brings me joy, but it isn’t always simple or inexpensive. Planning trips could be considered a simple joy though so that’s what I’m writing about it today. The anticipation of discovering new places and in this case a whole other country gives me something to research and dream about. My family is planning a tour of Great Britain this summer. Originally I romanced the idea of arranging all of the details, but then reality hit. I’m not a travel agent nor do I really enjoy playing one. Fortunately AAA stepped in and is helping me with the details. We’ve decided on a tour which starts in London then goes to Bristol, Wales, Chester, Edinburgh and York. We decided to tack on an extra two days at the beginning to explore London on our own. This helps to satisfy the free spirit in me who doesn’t want to be confined to a schedule.
I love tulips despite their fragility. My grandmother on my Dad’s side was from Holland so I like to think I’m celebrating the quarter of me that comes from the Dutch heritage. I don’t buy fresh flowers very often, but when I do I enjoy them. Years ago the frugal side of me considered buying flowers a waste of money, but now I look at them as a gift of beauty.
These are a few of my favorite lip balms. They feel great on cracked and dry winter lips. I have been using the C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tints for years. My favorite is the plum mint, and I also love the untinted mentha lip shine. They have a nice minty fresh smell and taste. Technically I shouldn’t be eating my lip gloss, but I can’t help but taste it. You can find CO Bigelow’s Lip Tints at Bath & Body Works. My husband introduced me to EOS Lip Balms. The sweet mint is my favorite. Do you see a theme here? My daughter also loves them. You can find EOS at Walmart, Target and various drug stores. I purchased a mini three pack of Fresh’s Sugar Lip Tints at Sephora during the Christmas season and they are heavenly. They glide on nicely and have a nice sent as well. Treat yourself to one of these lip balms. Your lips will love you for it.
We had our biggest snowfall in several years yesterday. I had been hoping for one good snow day this year, and boy did I get it. I love snow when I don’t have to be anywhere and can just cocoon inside my home. I worked on my scrapbooks which is something I’ve been wanting to do for quite awhile. I also watched a few episodes of Downton Abbey. I’m just on season one and have been curious about all the buzz it’s been getting. My friend says it’s the best show ever. What do you do on snow days? Besides shovel snow that is.
Dawn, you and your family will love London and possibly Edinburgh even more. You are smart to take a couple of extra days in London to be on your own. I really recommend a red bus tour of each city to find out where everything is and orient yourself as you learn interesting details about the city. As you probably know, you can buy a 24-hour pass for the bus, take the city tour, and then hop off and back on at places where you want to spend some time. Susan Lyons (Anne’s mom)
Thanks Susan! I didn’t know about the bus pass. I will have to look into that for the first few days we are in London. We are going to be part of a group that we booked with Trafalgar tours. We have a little bit of free time, but felt that was the best route to go since it will be our first trip to the UK. Did you go with a tour or just travel on your own?
Would you mind taking Roman along? He really wants to go.
Can he fit in a suitcase?
I envy you your travels. It is a place I have always wanted to go!
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
I will let you know how it goes so you can plan for when it’s your turn.:) My son will be a senior next year and I felt it was good timing for us. I’m thankful we have the opportunity to go. It’s pretty expensive compared to when I back packed in Europe as a college student, but I think it will be worth it.
What an awesome trip for your family! I’m excited to hear you pulled out your scrapbooks I want to see them sometime. My neighbor says Downtown Abby is her favorite show and I told her I would try it.