London Aloft Bar

Review: London Aloft Excel Hotel at ExCel Conference Center

For the my first World Travel Market conference (WTM), one of the largest travel events in Europe, held each year in London at November, I knew that I needed my hotel to be easy as convention days are long and exhausting.  As the conference was being held at the ExCel […]

Best Burger and Fries in D.C.

Is the Best Burger in D.C. (and duck fat fries!) at Bourbon Steak?

Knowing that my Art Weekend in D.C. was planned out, I stayed an extra day to explore on my own.  I asked a few D.C. based twitter friends for restaurant suggestions, along the lines of “what’s a must eat food experience in D.C.”  A few replies were “the best burger in […]

Conversation with Oprah and Gayle Alaska cruise

Every Photo has a Story to Tell – My Photo with Oprah in Alaska

Leave it to my eleven (going on thirty) year old precocious niece to burst my Oprah bubble.  I was showing my sister and mom my photo with Oprah  from the O Magazine, Share the Adventure cruise to Alaska on Holland America’s Eurodam.  My niece said “did you meet Oprah…and she […]

The Renwick Gallery collection

The Renwick Gallery – Decorative Arts in D.C. – Thoughtful & On Trend

Art Museums often have the “permanent collection” which you see the same pieces with each visit and it’s the temporary exhibits that draw you back to discover or re-discover an artist and their work. For my Art Weekend in Washington, D.C.  I would discover many new (to me) American artists […]

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Fresh Coffee Beans

Seattle – Starbucks Roastery and Tasting Room Experience in Seattle

Finding myself at the only (for now) Starbucks Roastery  in Seattle wasn’t quite on my itinerary but my local friends said “I had to see it”.  I was curious to experience the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room in Seattle plus we were all in need of a snack after […]

Trace at Hirshhorn by Ai Weiwei

Trace at Hirshhorn – Powerful Art in D.C. Using 1.2 Million Legos

My art skills are limited to badly drawn stick figures and flowers.  I’ve attempted mosaics, pottery and a few other creative endeavors but am keeping my day job in accounting/finance.  Even as a child, my Lego creations showed no imagination.  That’s why I leave the Lego art to the professionals […]

Palace Kitchen Seattle Bar

Solo Dining: Palace Kitchen for the Best Burger in Seattle

After my long travel day to Seattle, I just needed to go to my happy place – red meat, red wine and chocolate cake!  I asked the concierge at the Four Seasons Seattle for the best burger in Seattle, and she recommended Palace Kitchen.  She did caution that they don’t […]

Fairmont D.C. Gold Lounge Review Jellybeans

Luxury In Georgetown: The Fairmont, D.C. Gold Level Experience

If you’ve never considered staying on the concierge (club) level of a hotel you should.  The individual attention, privacy and access to the lounge can elevate your hotel stay and make it less stressful plus there are free cookies (ok, maybe something only I value)!   When I stayed at […]

AMOR sculpture D.C. National Gallery Sculpture Garden Art Weekend in D.C.

Road Trip Itinerary: Art Weekend in D.C. – Art, Walk, Eat, Drink, Repeat

Washington, D.C. is a three-hour train ride from Philly and yet I’ve only visited three times over the years –in high school, when a friend lived in the city and last time for my trip to South Africa (the award ticket from IAD-JNB ).  D.C. really is a wonderful city […]