• My husband and I celebrated our fifth anniversary and my 40th birthday with a trip to Cancún.
• However, we didn't feel comfortable leaving our 4-year-old daughter at home, so we took her with us.
• We also brought my mother-in-law along to help us keep an eye on her, and we had an amazing time.

As the sun rose over the Caribbean Sea, I stepped out of my beachfront suite and settled into a lounge chair beside my private plunge pool, listening to the waves crash.

I snuggled up in my complimentary bathrobe and enjoyed my mandatory morning fuel — a coffee from the in-room Nespresso machine — taking in the calm of the first day of a weeklong vacation celebrating my 40th birthday and fifth wedding anniversary.

The views were serene. The atmosphere was peaceful. The company — to some — was unexpected. Next to me, wrapped in a similar bathrobe, sat my mother-in-law.

My husband and I wanted to take a trip to celebrate our anniversary, but didn't want to leave our daughter behind

Since having my 4-year-old daughter, traveling has taken a backseat to motherhood. In my 20s, I traveled as often as possible, from the gumless streets of Singapore to the iconic safaris of South Africa.

These days, my husband and I travel less often or choose to visit new countries with our toddler in tow. Although we're always glad to create these memories with her, we knew we wanted something different to celebrate my 40th birthday and our fifth anniversary.

Some people might have chosen to leave their kid at home so they could celebrate with a lavish party or intimate dinner for two. However, we didn't feel comfortable being away from our preschooler for a week in another country.

So, we brought her along and invited my mother-in-law with us to help keep an eye on our daughter and make sure we got some alone time.

The four of us headed on an all-inclusive vacation in Cancún, where we stayed in a two-bedroom enclave suite, complete with three beds, two bathrooms, and 1,570 square feet of shared, yet separate space.

Having that much room kept us from feeling crammed and confined, and with a living room in between the bedrooms, privacy was never an issue.

The arrangement granted us a nice mix of private and family time

We chose to stay at the Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe because it advertises itself as a family hotel. My husband and I spent days wading around the splash pool, rooftop pool, or plunge pool with our daughter.

We took advantage of the resort's dedicated kids areas and activities, including Beach Bunch — the kids' club complete with a playground, indoor playroom, and crafts. And at night, we attended the live shows.

Some days, we ate together at the family-friendly buffet, but on certain occasions, my husband and I dined "date-night-style" while our daughter and my mother-in-law had their own dinner or playdates back in the suite.

It was a great opportunity for them to enjoy quality time together while my husband and I celebrated our milestone anniversary.

My husband and I also relaxed together at the spa, delighting in a refreshing hydrotherapy session that included a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, hot tub, and sensory pool.

And even though my mother-in-law took care of our daughter and brought her to the kids' club, we made sure she had her own time alone at the spa as well.

Overall, we all had a great time together

During this trip, the old saying, "two's company, three's a crowd," came to mind.

And yes, there were times when it felt like we were staying at my husband's childhood home with his mother (or our daughter) occupying the space between us. Plus, some moments meant just for us became a group affair.

But then, we'd all look at the view of the beach while eating our in-room dining — that none of us had to prepare, on beds that none of us had to make, in rooms that none of us had to clean — and that feeling would dissipate.

Having my mother-in-law and kid on this trip was certainly unconventional, nontraditional, and maybe even downright weird to some. However, it granted us the opportunity to travel with some peace of mind.

• After traveling to all 50 states solo, I've narrowed down the best cities to visit in the summer.
• Places like Taos, New Mexico, and Anchorage, Alaska, experience milder temperatures in the summer.
• Lubec, Maine, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, California feel like they're straight out of a fairytale.

When the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, I think it's the perfect opportunity to explore new parts of the United States.

After visiting all 50 states solo, I can recommend dozens of places to visit in the summer, but some stand out for their solitude, outdoor activities, accessibility, or great weather.

These are the seven cities and towns I've been telling my friends to visit this year.

Chicago really comes alive in the summer months.

Growing up in Illinois, I spent many summer days in Chicago. But, honestly, it wasn't until I'd visited all 50 states that I understood just how magical the city becomes in the warmer months.

Each summer, Millennium Park hosts a packed calendar of free outdoor concerts and festivals, and the Riverwalk comes alive with outdoor dining and kayakers.

Plus, the lakefront beaches are among my favorites in the country.

Lubec, Maine, is one of my favorite places to visit.

In my opinion, Maine feels like a fairytale in the summer months. With lush forests, rocky coastlines, and quaint fishing villages — you really can't go wrong.

However, the place I find myself recommending most (and dreaming about visiting again) is Lubec. Home to the easternmost point in the contiguous US, this town feels like a Hallmark movie.

I love hiking at West Quoddy Head State Park, staying at The Inn on the Wharf, eating lobster at Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant, and hiking or biking on the Cobscook Shores Trail.

There's so much to do in Taos, New Mexico.

The temperatures in Taos, New Mexico, stay surprisingly mild in the summer months, with highs in the mid-80s and lows ranging from the high-40s to low-50s. This makes it a great destination if you're looking to escape those hot summer nights.

Plus, there's so much to do. I like to visit Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Here, visitors can take guided or unguided tours of the Native American village.

When I want to spend some time outside, I hike the Williams Lake Trail, a beautiful 3.8-mile round-trip trek to the lake at the base of Wheeler Peak.

Jackson, Wyoming, is the perfect home base for outdoor adventure.

Summer is absolutely high season in Jackson, Wyoming, but to me, it's still worth battling some traffic to experience.

The town sits right outside Grand Teton National Park, and the outdoor recreation options in the area are almost overwhelming — hiking, fly fishing, rafting the Snake River, and kayaking across beautiful lakes.

Jackson's Town Square is worth an evening of its own for exploring the shops, grabbing dinner or a drink, or attending one of the summer festivals or markets.

Another perk? Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport in the country located entirely within a national park — so you can fly straight into one of the most stunning places in America.

I think Anchorage, Alaska, is a must-visit destination.

I think everyone should experience the magic of Alaska in the summer. The days are incredibly long, the weather is mild, and everything feels more accessible.

Although there are lots of cities I love visiting in the state, Anchorage is my top pick because there's so much to do. I love visiting the Anchorage Museum, hiking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, eating at Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria, or grabbing brunch at Biscuitclub.

The town is also a good basecamp for day trips to Seward, the Kenai Peninsula, and Girdwood.

Brevard, North Carolina, is the perfect place to stay if you want to see waterfalls.

I think Western North Carolina is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. However, my favorite town to visit is Brevard.

Located in Transylvania County — known as the "Land of Waterfalls" for its more than 250 cascades — Brevard is the perfect home base for exploring the area.

Within the town itself, I love attending the concerts put on by the Brevard Music Center, a summer training institute for young musicians.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, feels like a fairytale.

Even though I've lost count of how many times I've visited Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, I'm still not tired of it.

The downtown area genuinely feels like stepping inside a storybook, with whimsical cottages built in the 1920s, and 41 hidden courtyards and passageways filled with shops and restaurants.

I love staying downtown and just walking between the 17 wine-tasting rooms — it's one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon.

• I traveled to the UK, the Netherlands, and France during my recent European vacation.
• I planned a packed itinerary, and was pleasantly surprised that I fit so much into eight days.
• That said, I wish I'd booked our hotels sooner and done research into customs and security.

Ever since my first trip to France at 18, I've been enamored with Europe.

Don't get me wrong, I love exploring the US, but there's something about leaving the country that helps me dive into vacation mode quickly, since I'm an ocean away from life's daily stressors.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, I started feeling a familiar itch to travel abroad, so we visited France together two years ago. The following year, we upped the ante and headed to two countries: France and Italy.

When it came time to plan our annual vacation this year, I proposed our most ambitious one yet — three European countries in eight days with a travel day tacked onto both ends — then mapped out a whirlwind itinerary that included two full days in London and two and a half days in both Amsterdam and Paris.

It was an adventure of a lifetime, and we packed so much into a short period of time. Still, I made a few mistakes and learned several important lessons along the way.

I didn't do enough research on security and customs protocol

When we traveled from London to Amsterdam on the Eurostar train, it took an hour to get through airport-level security and customs. Since I anticipated a similar experience traveling from Amsterdam to Paris, we arrived at the train station extra early, but there was no security checkpoint.

This minor mistake only cost us an hour of wasted time, but I regretted it. I could've hopped on an earlier train to Paris had I known that traveling from one EU country to another is a lot easier than entering the European Union from the United Kingdom.

With a tight itinerary, minutes and hours matter, so I learned to pay more attention to security requirements during the planning stage.

I waited too long to book one of my hotels

When looking into Amsterdam hotels, I found one in the city center, right near the main train station. I usually book things well in advance, but this time, I took a gamble and waited to see if the prices would drop.

By the time I went to book my preferred hotel, no rooms were available for my travel dates. As it turns out, there were a few big events in town that week, so rooms filled up quickly.

I've had luck finding last-minute deals on Booking.com before, so I took a look and booked another hotel that was a quick train ride away from the city center. Everything worked out, but the experience taught me to always research whether there are major events going on in a city when you're traveling.

After all, you can always book the hotel when you see it, then cancel the reservation and rebook it if prices drop.

I learned you can't see everything in one trip, and you don't have to

When you only have a few days in a city, you're forced to home in on the must-see items on your bucket list rather than seeing every major tourist attraction. For instance, my husband and I aren't into art, so we usually skip art museums and seek out cool architecture, beautiful gardens, and meaningful experiences.

When we first started charting our own course on vacation rather than letting the fear of missing out guide us, we worried that we might regret seeing some of the major sights. But we quickly realized that it's freeing to pick and choose the activities that matter most to you.

In Amsterdam, we could've seen the Anne Frank House since it's a popular tourist spot. Instead, we spent an afternoon at the Heineken Experience in honor of my late father, who adored Heineken.

I don't drink beer, but it was still incredibly rewarding to enjoy an experience that he never got to have himself.

Walking is often the best way to see a city — but don't be a hero

Whenever I travel, I prefer to see new cities on foot rather than spending time (and money) on public transportation.

Since we only had two days in London, my husband and I took the scenic route to Kensington Palace and walked an hour from our hotel.

On a nice day, it would've been a lovely walk through a gorgeous park, but London's weather is unpredictable. It ended up being rainier and windier than we'd expected, making the stroll pretty miserable.

Sure, we could've popped into the nearest train station, but the intermittent rain lulled us into a false sense of security. Next time, I'll hop on a train instead, even if it means missing out on seeing a pretty park.

• Many of my favorite hair, skin, and hygiene products are from Trader Joe's and cost less than $10.
• I use Trader Joe's fluoride-free toothpaste and lemongrass-coconut body oil every day.
• The best Trader Joe's beauty products include Enrich moisturizing face lotion and hair oil.

I used to think I had to spend a lot on beauty products if I wanted quality, but Trader Joe's has completely changed my mind.

Typically, I stick to food when I shop at the grocery chain, but on one trip, a $6 hair oil caught my eye. Although I follow a tight budget, it felt like a great price, and I decided to try it.

I couldn't believe how much it seemed to improve the health of my hair after just one use.

After that, I became hooked on trying Trader Joe's hair, skin, and hygiene products. Fortunately, many of them are under $10.

There have been a few misses, but here are the ones I've loved enough to make part of my daily and weekly routines.

Trader Joe's hair oil is a key part of my morning routine.

Each morning, I massage a drop of this oil throughout my hair. It makes it look so shiny in between washes, rather than greasy.

The moisturizing mix of ingredients, including argan oil, moringa seed oil, chia seed oil, and vitamin E, has also been helping my hair recover from when I ironed it daily while I was teaching.

Speaking of ironing, the oil is also designed to help protect hair against heat damage up to 450°F.

Some beauty fans even say this is comparable to the popular Ouai hair oil that costs about $30 for 1.5 ounces. Meanwhile, a 1-ounce bottle of Trader Joe's costs $6.

The Enrich moisturizing face lotion doesn't break me out.

At just $4 for a 4-ounce bottle, I was skeptical about Trader Joe's Enrich face lotion.

However, I've lived in Florida my entire life and have never found a facial moisturizer with SPF that doesn't break me out — until this one.

In addition to SPF 15, the fragrance-free lotion also contains vitamins A, C, and E.

I've been using Enrich under my makeup in the morning, and since it's so inexpensive, I don't feel bad applying it to my arms as well for some extra TLC.

Trader Joe's lemongrass-coconut body oil doesn't leave me feeling greasy.

I've been on the hunt for the perfect body oil to apply after the shower when my skin is damp. This is the first one I've tried that leaves me feeling moisturized, not like a layer of grease is sitting on top of my skin.

It's made with lemongrass oil, virgin coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil, and I appreciate the natural ingredients.

The scent feels cheery and uplifting, and many consider lemongrass oil to be a natural mosquito repellent. With summer around the corner, that's a real perk.

Best of all, Trader Joe's body oil feels super affordable at $4 for a 4.8-ounce bottle.

I use Trader Joe's bonding shampoo and conditioners for a salon-level wash.

This shampoo and conditioner duo from Trader Joe's leaves my hair feeling utterly healed from that aforementioned heat damage.

I wash my scalp first with a gentle dandruff shampoo, then shampoo and condition with Trader Joe's bonding set. This is a strategy my dermatologist told me to try — the medicated shampoo cleans my scalp, while the regular shampoo nourishes my hair.

This routine makes my hair feel and look like I got a salon wash and blowout when it's dry. It may be because these products contain ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin and silk, which can help strengthen hair and make it shine.

At $8 per 12-ounce bottle, this duo cost me $16 total, but the quality reminds me of the expensive salon sets I've bought from my hairdresser in the past.

Some shoppers even swear these are dupes for more expensive bonding shampoos, which can cost twice (or even three times) as much.

I've been using this $1 find as a luxurious hand soap.

I couldn't believe how luxurious Trader Joe's Next to Godliness oatmeal-and-honey vegetable soap feels when I wash my hands with it. After all, I paid only $1 for a 4-ounce bar.

Since I've started using this as a hand soap, I haven't had to use as much hand lotion — it's that moisturizing. I love the lather, too, but it's the scent that stole my heart. This soap smells like oatmeal-spiced cookies right from the oven.

If I ever see this on shelves again, I'm stocking up.

This Trader Joe's fluoride-free toothpaste feels like a treat that's good for my teeth.

I've been looking for an affordable fluoride-free toothpaste that leaves my mouth feeling just as clean as its fluoride counterparts for some time — and this one from Trader Joe's has been a winner for me.

The 6-ounce bottle of peppermint toothpaste costs $4, and I appreciate that it has calcium hydroxyapatite, which some studies suggest can help protect teeth from erosion, cavities, and decay.

My favorite part is that it tastes like York Peppermint Pattie filling, but leaves my teeth feeling clean all day long.

Keep reading Trader Joe's diaries to see what other must-haves shoppers have in their carts.

• I booked an Infinite Veranda cabin on my Celebrity cruise and was surprised by how much I loved it.
• The polarizing design replaces a traditional balcony with more of a windowed "sunroom."
• Despite lacking a true outdoor space, the cabin's flexibility and privacy made it worth the price.

My husband and I recently went on a 12-night cruise to New Zealand aboard Celebrity Edge — and, despite reading polarizing reviews online, we decided to splurge on an Infinite Veranda cabin.

The stateroom design has been a topic of debate since it debuted in 2018, as Celebrity replaced a traditional balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows that open with the push of a button.

Honestly, I had a hard time understanding the concept until I experienced it myself. Think of a traditional cruise balcony like an outdoor patio, while the Infinite Veranda is more like a (sometimes open-air) sunroom.

For some, the lack of true outdoor space dilutes the cabin experience, while others appreciate the added versatility.

I hadn't experienced anything like it before, but after 12 nights in the cabin, I'm convinced it was worth the cost.

The biggest benefit was having added space and flexibility.

Instead of dedicating space to an outdoor balcony, the Infinite Veranda layout brings the seating space inside the cabin. So, our room felt extra spacious.

I'm a chronic overpacker, but even with five suitcases, we had no issues finding storage. We were also pleasantly surprised by the extra space along the side of the Infinite Veranda, where we could store some of our luggage without our cabin feeling cluttered.

The extra space also made our cabin more functional. Throughout the cruise, we used the Infinite Veranda as a second seating area.

With two chairs and a small table, it was the perfect spot to have our morning coffee or a glass of wine at sunset. We ended up spending more time in our stateroom than usual because it was so comfortable.

The Infinite Veranda felt more private than a traditional balcony.

One of the most unexpected benefits of the Infinite Veranda was the added sense of privacy it provided.

On a standard balcony, your outdoor space is more exposed, with only a small divider separating you from your neighbors. They can also feel less secluded.

Depending on the ship's design, a standard balcony might even be visible from other decks. On a previous cruise, for example, a stranger on an upper deck yelled things at me while I was taking photos on my standard balcony. It was pretty embarrassing.

Thankfully, we didn't have to worry about that while using our Infinite Veranda. Even with the window open, the space felt enclosed and much quieter.

Unlike on traditional balconies, where you can often hear chairs moving or conversations next door, we never heard our neighbors.

All of this gave us a greater sense of privacy while we enjoyed the ocean views.

We didn't need to step outside to see the breathtaking scenery.

Because the Infinite Veranda is built into the room rather than separated by a sliding door, we didn't have to go outside to take in sweeping views of New Zealand's fjords, cascading waterfalls, and jagged coastlines.

With the country's cooler temperatures, bundling up to sit on a traditional balcony wasn't especially appealing. Instead, we loved lowering the window and enjoying the scenery from the comfort of our cabin.

Unlike a standard balcony, which exposes you to wind, rain, or noise, the Infinite Veranda let us enjoy the views from anywhere in the room, even from bed.

Whether we were sailing through Fiordland National Park or just wanted fresh, cool air in the cabin after dinner, we used the space constantly.

Still, I can see why this room style is controversial.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Infinite Veranda is the lack of a true outdoor space. At times, it can feel more like sticking your head out a car window than stepping onto a balcony.

Additionally, the air conditioning shuts off automatically when the window is open. This can make the room stuffy or humid in warmer climates — luckily, though, this wasn't an issue for us with New Zealand's cooler weather.

Some travelers also prefer the separation between indoor and outside space that true balconies with a door can offer. For example, it can be convenient if someone wants to hop on a phone call while their cabinmates are napping. This wasn't an issue for us, though.

Ultimately, the Infinite Veranda won us over, and we feel it was a great value.

I can understand why the Infinite Veranda is polarizing, but for us, it was worth the money.

In total, we spent $6,826 on an Infinite Veranda stateroom in Celebrity's AquaClass, which included wellness-focused perks such as access to a thermal spa and an exclusive restaurant.

Infinite Veranda rooms typically cost more than standard veranda cabins, but prices vary widely — and I've even seen them cost slightly less on some itineraries.

Although I was hesitant to book such a highly debated cabin, it turned out to be one of the highlights of our cruise. In fact, I've already booked another Infinite Veranda cabin for my cruise to Norway this summer.

• I'm a Canadian mom who drives to the US just to stock up on my family's favorite Trader Joe's items.
• My kids love the store's fettuccine Alfredo, mango juice smoothies, and vanilla meringues.
• The Middle Eastern-style kebabs and Mandarin-orange chicken make weeknight dinners a breeze.

As a mom of three picky eaters, I will do whatever it takes to find foods that my kids enjoy. Luckily, Trader Joe's offers dinner options my whole family loves at affordable prices.

There's only one problem: the complete lack of Trader Joe's locations in Canada.

So, twice a month, I drive nearly an hour from our home in Canada to Bellingham, Washington, to stock up on all my family's favorites.

Crossing the border for groceries might sound extreme, but the quality of the products and rave reviews from my kids make the drive worthwhile.

Here are nine items from Trader Joe's that always end up in my cart.

Prices may vary by location.

My whole family is obsessed with Trader Joe's Mandarin-orange chicken.

One of my family's favorite meals is Trader Joe's Mandarin-orange chicken, so I make sure to buy four packages each time I shop.

This chicken, battered in a delicious orange-ginger sauce, is great on its own or with stir-fry noodles.

If I'm feeling fancy, I'll serve it with broccoli, carrots, and white rice, sprinkled with some sesame seeds on top.

My son never liked fettuccine Alfredo until he tried the Trader Joe's version.

Even though my son has never been a fan of fettuccine Alfredo, served in a restaurant or cooked at home, he absolutely loves Trader Joe's take on this dish.

For my family of five, I typically heat up two packs of the frozen pasta. I also love adding Trader Joe's breaded chicken tenderloin breasts for extra protein.

To elevate the dish even more, I add some high-protein milk and butter, then top it with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and parsley. The result is always a resounding success in our household.

Trader Joe's take on kebabs is delicious.

I'm originally from Egypt, so I always make sure to pick up a bag of Trader Joe's Middle Eastern-style kebabs, which remind me of home.

A bonus: my oldest daughter loves them, too.

These kebabs take about 20 minutes to grill and are my secret for whipping up shawarma in a flash.

I like combining them with tomatoes, a homemade tahini sauce, and onions seasoned with sumac and parsley. Then, I pack it into the Trader Joe's Egyptian-sourdough Baladi pocket bread.

I can't get enough of Trader Joe's chocolate-covered wafer cookie bars.

My secret indulgence is Trader Joe's chocolate-covered wafer cookie bars. This sweet treat tastes exactly like my favorite childhood snack I had back home in Egypt.

Each bar costs only $1.20, so I normally grab anywhere from five to seven during my grocery trips.

Trader Joe's vanilla meringues are a sweet treat that always come home with me.

My haul always includes Trader Joe's fat-free vanilla meringues, which are my youngest daughter's favorite treat.

At only $4.50 per container, these fluffy meringues offer the perfect amount of sweetness in each bite.

Trader Joe's rolled corn tortilla chips are my son's go-to snack.

My son loves Trader Joe's chili-and-lime-flavored rolled corn tortilla chips, so I always make sure to pick up a bag whenever I visit the store.

I highly recommend these extra-crunchy chips for anyone who likes spicy snacks, since they're packed with zest and heat.

I always pick up Trader Joe's mango juice smoothies for my daughter.

My teenage daughter's favorite item from Trader Joe's is the store's mango juice smoothie.

These non-dairy smoothies are made with mango purée, apples, banana purée, and lemon juice, and are a staple in our fridge.

Along with great flavor, each smoothie is full of vitamins A and C, and costs only $3.

Trader Joe's pork gyoza potstickers are a great appetizer for hosting.

Whenever we have guests over, I love to serve Trader Joe's pork gyoza potstickers.

Each pack of these potstickers has about 20 pieces, making it the perfect appetizer for any get-together.

I like to pair them with some soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar, and garnish with green onions.

I can't believe how awesome Trader Joe's cultured salted butter is.

So many of my favorite Egyptian recipes rely heavily on butter, so I'm always on the hunt for one that's high-quality with an affordable price tag.

Trader Joe's cultured salted butter is my personal favorite, as it tastes amazing, softens in minutes, and elevates every dish.

• I tried cheeseburgers from Culver's, Freddy's, and Sonic to see which chain is best in the Midwest.
• The Sonic burger was filling, but the bun felt a little too soggy. My Freddy's burger was OK.
• My favorite fast-food sandwich came from Culver's, which is known for its ButterBurgers.

It's hard to pin down exactly when and where the hamburger was created. After all, similar ground-meat-based dishes have been around across cultures for centuries.

However, several sources I've found do agree that the hamburgers we know and love today likely originated somewhere in the Midwestern region of the US.

All restaurants serve them a bit differently, but as a Midwest native from Kansas City, Missouri, I wanted to see which popular chain near me had the best basic cheeseburger.

I went to Sonic, Culver's, and Freddy's to find out.

First, I ordered from Culver’s.

I love a good trip to Culver's. The chain, which started in Wisconsin, is a Midwest staple that's expanded to over 1,000 locations across 26 states since 1984.

During this visit, I ordered a ButterBurger with cheese, which cost me $5.46.

The Culver’s ButterBurger was the freshest-tasting option.

I liked how the Culver's burger was wrapped in waxy paper. Although I waited to eat my burger at home, I could easily peel the paper back and eat it on the go.

My deluxe single cheeseburger came with one flat patty, tomato, American cheese, lettuce, sweet red onion, pickles, and the brand's signature mayo.

The bun was buttered and nicely toasted, and the produce was crisp. It tasted fresh and flavorful. I had no complaints.

Next, I swung through Sonic Drive-In.

For those who aren't as familiar with the fast-food chain, Sonic has only drive-in and drive-thru options — customers don't go inside.

Founded in Oklahoma, Sonic is by far the largest chain in this taste test, with more than 3,000 locations in 47 states.

Sonic locations have stalls where you can pull in, push a button, and order your meal. Carhops then walk or skate the food to your car, giving it a nostalgic, 1950s-style vibe.

However, you can also use the more modern drive-thru if you don't want the production.

I was quickly in and out of there with my $5.96 burger.

Sonic's cheeseburger was the most filling.

Sonic's cheeseburger came wrapped in foil and paper, and it did get slightly smashed on the side after riding in its bag to my final destination.

The patty was thick and juicy and stacked with crinkle-cut pickles, American cheese, onions, ketchup, mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.

In my opinion, Sonic's burger patties were the juiciest and packed the most flavor. The burger had a lot of condiments, however, so the toasted bun was soggy by the time I sat down to eat it.

Lastly, I picked up a Freddy's burger.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002. These days, Freddy's has more than 500 locations across 36 states.

Inside, Freddy's has a bit of a '50s diner aesthetic, with bright white and red decor and fun signs pointing to the pickup stations.

My original cheeseburger cost $7.52 and came in a square, insulated sleeve. Since it wasn't wrapped as tightly, I had to rearrange the bun and toppings a little when I got home.

The chain's burger fell a little flat.

Freddy's regular burgers come with two patties, which are flat with crispy edges. Those are layered with two slices of cheese, crinkle-cut pickles, ketchup, mustard, onions — all between a toasted bun.

In the past, I've really enjoyed the crispy edges of Freddy's burger patties. This time, though, the edges of my burger were more chewy and dry than crispy. I don't know whether it was the packaging, the commute, or just some unfortunate luck.

If the Freddy's patties had been as crispy as I've had them before, I would've liked them more.

Still, the burger was delicious and filling — and I enjoyed the mix of condiments, cheese, and pickles — but I also missed the tomatoes and lettuce that came on the other two.

For this taste test, I ordered the default iteration of each burger, but next time, I'd add lettuce and tomatoes to this one (for no extra charge).

In the end, Culver’s cheeseburger was my favorite.

For me, the winner of the three-burger showdown was Culver's.

The fresh crispness of the produce and thicker tomato slices added texture and flavor. The patty felt like a decent size, and the buttery, toasted bun was a nice touch.

Culver's burger also ended up being the cheapest of the three, which is a huge plus.

I'd definitely eat at the other two chains again, but the Culver's burger was just too good to beat.

This story was originally published on October 29, 2024, and most recently updated on May 26, 2026.

• I tried and ranked every jarred pasta sauce I could find at Trader Joe's.
• The organic classic marinara was my least-favorite sauce because I thought it lacked flavor.
• The creamy tomato-basil sauce and the roasted-garlic marinara were my top two picks.

My childhood is filled with memories of eating spaghetti with jarred marinara sauce. But now, as an adult, I realize how much of a difference a quality, flavorful sauce makes.

Fortunately, Trader Joe's sells an impressive variety of jarred pasta sauces to choose from, so I decided to try 12 options to see which would be worth purchasing again.

Here's how I'd rank them from worst to best.

Editor's note: This story was originally published on March 26, 2023, and most recently updated on May 26, 2026. Product availability may vary by location.

Trader Joe's organic marinara sauce was my least-favorite option.

Trader Joe's offers several types of marinara sauce, but the organic version seemed to be the most basic of them all. It had a mellow sweet-tomato flavor and a pretty red color, but other than that, there wasn't much going on.

The consistency, like most marinara sauces, reminded me of salsa because it was simultaneously chunky and watery. It poured easily with minimal effort.

This sauce was a bit too basic for my liking.

When I tried this sauce with penne, I wasn't a big fan. In my opinion, the meager amount of herbs made it taste like more like ketchup than a pasta sauce.

That said, I think it might work as a cocktail sauce with some added horseradish.

Because Trader Joe's sells several more flavorful marinara sauces, though, I personally wouldn't buy this one again.

I thought the tomato-basil marinara tasted a lot like the organic version.

When I first tasted the tomato-basil marinara, I had to check the label on the sauce to make sure I didn't buy the organic marinara twice.

To be fair, there wasn't much of a difference between the ingredients in the two sauces, other than the fact that this one had more basil in it, which made it a touch brighter and more interesting.

I thought the tomato-basil marinara needed more flavor.

Unfortunately, the basil flavor in this sauce was faint, so it still tasted like something was missing.

I think it could be vastly improved if you're willing to doctor it up with some extra herbs. But at that point, it might defeat the purpose of using jarred pasta sauce.

However, I think it would be good as a dip for breadsticks or pizza crust.

The cacio e pepe wasn't quite what I was expecting.

Cacio e pepe is typically made with a few simple ingredients like butter, pepper, pasta water, and Parmesan. So, having a jarred version of such a simple sauce seemed a bit unnecessary to me.

Straight out of the jar, the sauce had a thick, creamy consistency, almost like a white gravy you'd put on biscuits.

For me, this sauce was too heavy on the pepper.

For me, Trader Joe's cacio e pepe sauce was too heavy on the salt and pepper.

I didn't like how the flavor lingered in my mouth even after washing it down with a glass of water. Plus, it seemed more oily than buttery.

In my opinion, this one tasted like a jarred Alfredo with a ton of black pepper mixed into it. It lacked the yummy, pure cheesiness I get when I make the dish from scratch, so I find it hard to justify buying it again.

Trader Joe's spicy chunky-tomato and pepper sauce was a standout.

In a sea of marinaras, Trader Joe's chunky-tomato and pepper sauce stood out for its spice.

In my experience, Trader Joe's items that are labeled as spicy can be pretty mild, so I was pleasantly by the mellow burn from this sauce.

It was a true standout with its layers of complex, spicy seasonings, bright-tomato flavor, and textured consistency. I'd buy it again, I just wouldn't pair it with pasta. In fact, I think it would be really good over some black beans and rice.

The Bolognese sauce was herby and meaty.

I'm not usually a huge fan of jarred meat sauces, but I was pleasantly surprised by Trader Joe's Bolognese.

For a premade Bolognese — especially one without wine or added sugar — it was quite good. The sauce contained a nice mix of dried herbs including thyme, oregano, fennel, and basil.

Texture-wise, Trader Joe's Bolognese sauce was thick but not as chunky as I expected. The beef is minced into such fine pieces that it felt inseparable from the sauce.

However, the sauce didn't have quite the same slow-cooked, full-bodied flavor as fresh Bolognese.

That said, a good Bolognese can be time-consuming to make from scratch, so Trader Joe's jarred version is a great substitute to make meaty pasta in record time.

I thought Trader Joe's Alfredo sauce was pretty good.

In my experience, most Alfredo sauces taste like under-seasoned cream. So, I was pleasantly surprised by the version from Trader Joe's.

Although the sauce was a bit too creamy for my liking, I think it's a solid premade option.

I'm not a huge fan of Alfredo sauce, but I thought Trader Joe's version was pretty good. It wasn't overly seasoned and got most of its saltiness from the cheese.

Although the Alfredo was a bit too rich for my liking, fans of extra creamy, cheesy flavors would probably dig it. 

Overall, it tasted like a more mellow alternative to Trader Joe's cacio e pepe sauce.

The vegan Bolognese-style sauce surprised me.

Trader Joe's vegan Bolognese combines plant-based protein crumbles with tomatoes, vegetables, and other dried Italian herbs to form a concoction that captures the iconic beefy sauce without animal products.

I usually wouldn't seek out a vegan sauce, but this version of Bolognese hit the spot.

In my opinion, this is a really well-made, delicious sauce. It packed a pleasantly bright tomato flavor with basil and oregano.

The pea-protein crumbles did a nice job replicating that ground-beef texture and the subtle porcini-mushroom powder in the seasoning added a tasty layer of savory, meaty flavor.

I was still missing that wine taste typical of a Bolognese sauce, but then again, this flavor was also absent in Trader Joe's beefy Bolognese.

My only complaint was that it was very thin and watery — almost soup-like — so it didn't cling to the pasta as well as the other sauces.

Trader Joe's pesto rosso seemed more like a paste than a pasta sauce.

Pesto rosso is a variation of the typical green pesto, made with sun-dried tomatoes.

The consistency of Trader Joe's version was thick, like tomato paste, so it seemed better suited for spreading on sandwiches than mixed into pasta. However, I tried it with penne.

With the pesto rosso, a little goes a long way.

The pesto rosso had a smooth, sweet-tomato flavor with a strong cheesy overtone. The balsamic gave the pesto rosso a sharp bite that made it distinct from other tomato-cheese sauces I tried.

Trader Joe's pesto rosso is one of those sauces where you need a just dollop to get the flavor you're looking for.

Overall, it's a great ingredient to have on hand when you need an extra boost of tomato flavor without using a full liquid sauce. I'd definitely buy it again.

The pesto alla Genovese seems like it would be good in a variety of dishes.

There's a lot to love about Trader Joe's pesto alla Genovese, but my favorite part is that I could actually taste every ingredient that's supposed to be there.

In my experience, some store-bought pesto is overwhelmingly oily or drowning in so much salt that you can barely taste the basil.

On the contrary, Trader Joe's pesto alla Genovese had a pleasant basil flavor with a nice balance of nuttiness and salt. It was also surprisingly potent, so I think a little goes a long way.

The pesto alla Genovese was a solid option.

At first, the ultra-blended consistency and tiny jar made me think the pesto was more of a condiment than a sauce, but it tasted great on pasta.

However, I think it would also be great on top of chicken, grilled vegetables, paninis, and soups.

Though it's not as fresh tasting as the stuff in the refrigerated section, this sauce gets the job done when you're craving pesto. Plus, with the added convenience of a longer shelf life, you really get your bang for your buck here.

The three-cheese pomodoro sauce was my personal favorite.

"Pomodoro" translates to "tomato," which should serve as a reminder of who the star of this sauce is.

Trader Joe's three-cheese pomodoro sauce, which included Romano, Asiago, and Parmesan, was splendid. For me, the most notable quality was the delicate, yummy sweetness of the tomatoes that I didn't get from many of the other sauces.

I also loved that there were large chunks of tomato and that the sauce had a rustic, home-cooked feel to it. I'd buy this again to ladle over stuffed shells with even more cheese.

The pomodoro sauce is probably my personal favorite of the roundup, but because it might not be as versatile as Trader Joe's other options, I can't say it's the best sauce from the chain.

Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce was impressive.

Where the classic tomato-basil marinara left a lot to be desired, Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce had me wanting to lick the bottom of my plate.

This sauce was incredibly rich, flavorful, and delicious. I found it to be similar in consistency and taste to a tomato bisque because it was lusciously creamy with bits of the fruit popping up here and there.

The creamy tomato-basil sauce was rich and flavorful.

Though the sauce was creamy, it didn't feel heavy. It definitely tasted more decadent than a typical marinara, but it didn't stick to the sides of my mouth like other cream sauces do.

The Parmesan was more prominent than I anticipated, but I thought it added a much-needed layer of salt to round out the sauce. Add a sprig of fresh basil to bring out the herbs even more, and this stuff is pure gold straight out of the jar.

The roasted-garlic marinara was the best sauce I tried.

Trader Joe's roasted-garlic sauce had the same consistency and, for the most part, the same ingredients as the other marinaras I tried.

However, the roasted garlic truly elevated this into a league of its own, adding an extra dimension of irresistible flavor. Even the smell of it warming up on the stove made my nostrils flare in anticipation.

The roasted-garlic marinara is a great pour-and-go sauce.

Though the flavor was prominent, it didn't overshadow the tomatoes or other herbs, so it tasted quite well-rounded.

It's not too sweet or salty, so unless you really hate garlic, I think this would be palatable to pretty much anyone.

Plus, this marinara earns high marks in my book for versatility. Sometimes, you just need a sauce that goes with everything to make your pasta nights easier.

Overall, I think Trader Joe's roasted-garlic sauce is a great-value, good-quality marinara you'll use over and over again.

• After years of living in the Boston area, I found myself becoming increasingly burned out.
• Moving to upstate New York has been good for me and my wallet, and I love being close to nature.
• Although I miss a few things about where I lived before, I'm glad I made the move.

Growing up outside Boston, I loved the city's arts and culture scene.

Spending weekends in bookstores and thrift shops, hunting for unique vintage clothes, made me feel cosmopolitan — worlds away from my homogenous suburb. As a queer kid, that was a lifeline.

In fact, I loved this energy so much that I eventually decided to move to big cities like New York and San Francisco, before settling closer to the heart of Boston.

However, the older I got, the more I started to see things differently. Between the high cost of living and Boston's aggressive drivers, I found myself becoming increasingly anxious and burned out by my life there.

So, 11 years ago, my partner and I decided to move to a smaller city in New York's Hudson Valley, near where I went to college, for a lower cost of living and peace of mind.

And although there are things I miss about living in the Boston area, my life has improved in a number of ways since I moved to upstate New York.

I love the lower cost of living and our proximity to nature

Having lived in and around several major cities, I was pleasantly surprised at how much further my dollar stretched once we moved to upstate New York.

After all, being in a highly populated city like Boston often meant paying a premium for just about everything from groceries to nights out with friends.

For example, when we first moved to the Hudson Valley, my partner and I rented a three-bedroom house, and about six months later, decided to buy a home.

Now, our mortgage costs less than the share of rent we used to split with a roommate in the Boston area.

But our cost of living isn't the only perk to life in upstate New York. I've also fallen in love with the slower pace of life that comes with living in a less-populated area.

Now, instead of taking walks down loud, busy streets when I want to clear my mind, I'm able to hike a different scenic trail every week with no repeats.

With more physical activity and fewer external stressors — like long commutes and aggressive drivers — I feel much more relaxed.

Although I miss things about my old home, I'm happy here

Of course, there are some perks of living in the Boston area that can't quite be recreated upstate.

For example, I miss Boston's varied food scene with cuisines from all over the world. Here in the Hudson Valley, American staples like burgers, pizza, and chicken wings are in heavy rotation.

Since I'm a vegetarian, and my partner is gluten-free, finding food we can enjoy when dining out is a constant challenge.

We've also found that it's been more difficult to make — and keep — friends here in a smaller city. In Boston, my partner and I each had established friend groups, composed of people we'd known for years. We went to house parties, potluck dinners, and queer clubs.

Unfortunately, many of our favorite Hudson Valley queer spaces closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made building a community more difficult. Plus, some of the friends I made moved away, and others drifted apart.

For an introvert like me, socializing takes extra effort, and the rewards are hit-or-miss. Still, I keep putting myself out there.

Even though I miss aspects of my life in the Boston area, moving to upstate New York has overwhelmingly been the right decision for me, and I have no regrets.

Plus, the lower cost of living means I can dedicate more money to my favorite hobby — traveling. And when I miss the pace of city life, I can simply hop on a plane.

• I'm recently single, and Trader Joe's has been my go-to since I started grocery shopping for one.
• Some of my favorite items include the store's gyro slices and Atlantic salmon.
• Whenever I need an easy single-serving dinner, I reach for the spaghetti cacio e pepe.

When my partner and I ended our engagement, I suddenly had to figure out how to grocery shop for one instead of two.

I already struggle with meal planning, and now that I'm single, I also have to be more intentional about portions, waste, and budget.

Luckily, Trader Joe's has cured my grocery shopping stress thanks to its frozen foods, portion sizes, and grab-and-go meals. Plus, the store's affordable prices have been a godsend during this new season of my life.

Here are nine Trader Joe's staples that make cooking for one less of a headache.

Prices may vary by location.

Trader Joe's selection of tinned seafood is perfect for hosting on a budget.

I never leave Trader Joe's without at least two cans of white albacore tuna in water. It's incredibly versatile and can be prepared with just about anything.

Whether I'm making a tuna and avocado flatbread or a tuna hand roll, this fish is my secret for low-effort, anti-inflammatory meals with minimal cleanup.

Another tinned seafood I love is Trader Joe's lightly smoked mussels. Not only are they delicious, but they're also a quick and easy way to upgrade a snack board when hosting.

The pan-fried mini chicken-cilantro wontons are a game changer.

Trader Joe's pan-fried mini chicken-cilantro wontons are my current lunchtime hyperfixation.

I've been a fan of these for years, but even more so now that I'm on my own, since the standard serving size is four pieces, which is perfect for me. Plus, they only take around 10 to 15 minutes to pan-fry.

I always keep Trader Joe's cacio e pepe in my freezer.

Even though I sometimes forget that it's hiding in the back of my freezer, the Trader Joe's spaghetti cacio e pepe always ends up being a dinnertime lifesaver.

Whether I've had a late night at work or am just not in the mood for making dinner for myself, this frozen pasta — with its creamy sauce and black-pepper seasoning — is my go-to for a quick, delicious meal.

I love Trader Joe's gyro slices.

I'm half Armenian, and try to stick to a Mediterranean diet, so lamb is one of my go-to sources of protein.

One of my favorite ways to eat lamb is in a gyro, and the Trader Joe's frozen gyro slices make it so easy to enjoy.

I love to pair these beef and lamb slices with red onion, feta, and garlic-cucumber tzatziki dip, then combine them all into a sourdough pocket bread.

The sweet chili sauce brings flavor to any meal.

Although I'm normally not a fan of spice, I've been adding Trader Joe's sweet chili sauce to just about everything.

Whether it's leftover chicken, canned tuna, or even kimbap, this sauce adds the perfect amount of zest to every dish. And, this is coming from someone with a nearly nonexistent tolerance for spice, so you'll just have to trust me.

Trader Joe's reduced-fat mac and cheese is delicious.

If I were left alone with a box of mac and cheese, it'd be gone in about three seconds.

Luckily, Trader Joe's reduced-fat mac and cheese, which has 45% less fat than the store's regular version, helps me enjoy one of my favorite comfort foods in moderation without feeling deprived of my craving.

Plus, I don't even need to boil any water and can just heat it up in the microwave.

The Unexpected cheddar is the perfect snack for one person.

I love Trader Joe's Unexpected cheddar, and now that I'm shopping for one, the single-serve version has only deepened my appreciation for this product.

Pairing this cheese with Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel-seasoned crackers creates the perfect mid-day savory treat. However, it's just as tasty on its own.

Trader Joe's Atlantic salmon with lemon-herb butter is a single shopper's dream.

In my opinion, nothing is more satisfying than an individually packaged single-serving item.

Not only is Trader Joe's Atlantic salmon with lemon-herb butter delicious, but it's also the perfect single serving, preventing excess waste or leftovers that are unlikely to be eaten again.

Another bonus: this salmon tastes like a restaurant-quality dinner, in the comfort of my own home, for only $6.

This pad see ew is proof that tofu can be great.

I love Thai food, and Trader Joe's offers flavorful, convenient options I can enjoy without ordering takeout.

I particularly enjoy the store's pad see ew, which is made with tofu.

• At 50, I retired from my job as a pharmacist in the US and moved to Ajijic, Mexico.
• To make this work, I did a lot of strategic planning and adjusting before and after the move.
• It has already paid off: I'm doing well, and I've planned for a sustainable early retirement abroad.

After turning 50, I retired from my job as a pharmacist and moved from San Francisco to Ajijic, Mexico.

On paper, I had done everything right: I did a ton of research, picked a beautiful lakeside town, and ran the numbers. I was confident I could make this new life work.

However, building a sustainable, enjoyable early retirement abroad takes more than just moving to a place with a lower cost of living.

After three years here, I believe I've finally done it.

First, I had to figure out what 'sustainable' actually means in practice

For me, a sustainable early retirement abroad means feeling at ease and living comfortably while staying prepared for the unexpected.

Since I chose to retire at 50, I wanted to make sure I could support myself for at least another 17 years, which is when I'll be eligible to receive full Social Security benefits.

When building a sustainable financial system, I kept in mind my desired lifestyle, second-career goals, fixed-income investments, and long-term legacy.

For example, I wanted to be able to visit my family back in San Francisco regularly and finally pursue writing as a career — something I'd wanted since grade school — without an immediate need for income.

So, I prioritized growing my high-yield savings accounts and investing in CDs, short-term bond funds, and money market funds to cover living expenses.

I also hired a financial advisor to diversify the rest of my portfolio for growth and stability, so I could focus on creative work rather than market swings after I moved.

I knew I needed to create a budget to help keep my yearly spending steady, so I began tracking how much I would need for essentials while still having extra money for travel, enrichment, and emergencies.

The first year of my move consisted of a lot of preparing, testing, and exploring

After the initial culture shock, I spent my first year in Ajijic learning my way around the town, getting accustomed to Mexican culture, and gradually falling into step with the local rhythm.

I explored different ways to manage cash flow between my US and Mexican bank accounts and learned I liked using the service Wise for low-fee currency conversions.

Through online searches and conversations with locals and expats, I curated a "money‑smart" list of the best-priced grocery stores, reliable handymen, and trusted doctors, so future surprise expenses could be less likely to blow up my budget.

I tracked all my spending in a spreadsheet, breaking it down by category so I knew exactly where my money was going. This helped me plan for the next year.

After a few months of renting, I also bought a house that's become both a comfortable home and a long‑term investment. Owning a home helped anchor me in the community and turn my housing expenses into an asset.

In my second and third years abroad, I did more strategic planning and refining

In year two, I worked closely with my financial advisor to better reshape my portfolio around my early retirement needs and set up an accessible emergency fund.

I got in the habit of using Wise to track the dollar-to-peso exchange rate and batch-converting money whenever it was favorable.

Plus, I took a closer look at my healthcare plans. Because of my good health, I chose to pay out of pocket for doctor's visits rather than buy health insurance in Mexico. This lowered my expenses and also made it easy to put off routine checkups.

Even though I felt fine, I knew I needed to stay on top of preventive care to protect my long-term health, so I also scheduled an annual lab panel, vision exam, and routine teeth cleaning. They all cost me less than what I'd spend on similar services in the US. I made plans to repeat this annually so small problems wouldn't snowball.

In year three, I set up many unsexy but critical documents, including wills, beneficiary designations, and a cross-border estate plan.

I also created an emergency plan in case of a health crisis, which included which hospital I'd like to use, how I would pay, and who to call if something went wrong.

And, after two years of collecting my Ajijic spending data, I finally had the experience and confidence to lock in my budget and begin living by it.

All in all, I've found that sustainability is a gateway to opportunities

I feel I've made the right choice by retiring early in Mexico and giving myself the chance to lead a new life on my own terms.

In three years, though, all my planning, saving, investing, and strategizing have begun to pay off: I've had more mental space for writing and other creative work that energizes me.

My writing career is already taking shape. I recently won ThrillerFest's 2026 Undiscovered New Voices scholarship and will soon pitch my latest psychological thriller to industry professionals.

Sure, this is a simplified overview — building a retirement abroad also involves navigating visas and so many other logistics.

It takes time to build a system that can hold up for decades, but I already feel confident I can maintain my current lifestyle for many years to come.

• I love taking a quick Amtrak ride to Oceanside, California, a low-key beach city.
• It costs around $30 to get there from Los Angeles, and I've found affordable places to stay, too.
• The gorgeous beaches are relatively quiet, and there are great restaurants within walking distance.

There's nothing I love more than skipping town for a beachy weekend getaway.

As much as I like living in Los Angeles, sometimes I need a break from the city's traffic, crowds, and hustle culture. One of my favorite places to explore is Oceanside, a coastal military city in San Diego County.

I first discovered this spot in 2022, after looking up Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route. On my first trip there, I fell in love with Oceanside's surfer vibes, vibrant food and culture, and surprising affordability.

Even getting there is easy — you can take a two-hour train for around $30 from LA, or an hourlong, $18 ride from San Diego.

Since my initial trip, I've been to O'side three times on the train, and I'm always discovering new things to love. Here's what makes a train ride down to Oceanside the perfect weekend reset.

Taking the train helps me immediately ease into vacation mode

For me, the trip really begins the moment I board the train. Without the stress of driving, I can relax with some of my favorite hobbies like reading, watching Netflix, or writing in my journal.

Although it takes almost an hour longer to get there by train than by car, the free time makes it worth it.

When my husband comes along, we like to talk and have a glass of wine or a snack from the onboard café. It's nice to just enjoy each other's company and watch the sparkling ocean views rush by.

Spending time by the water is always at the top of my list

When I arrive, I usually head straight to the beach. Depending on my mood, I'll either lie in the sand or walk the boardwalk (called The Strand) with a cold drink in hand.

Without fail, there are always surfers out on the water making good use of the prime wave real estate. On one of my last visits, I even stumbled across a surf competition right by the pier. I loved watching the surfers expertly maneuver through the ocean.

Although I'm not a surfer myself, watching them does inspire me to get out on the water, too. I usually head over to Harbor Village to rent a kayak — it's such a thrill to paddle out and watch sea lions sunning themselves underneath the iconic Oceanside sign.

The walkable food and drink scene keeps me coming back

I'm a big foodie, so trying local restaurants is always on my agenda when traveling. For a laid-back beach town, the food and drink scene in Oceanside is impressive, with everything from casual cafés and gastropubs to Michelin-starred fine dining.

I can fill up on banana lattes and avocado toast at Banana Dang in the morning, grab some fresh ceviche overlooking the harbor at Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill, and relax in the evening with drinks and apps at the Cococabana rooftop bar.

Best of all, most of my favorite places are all within walking distance of each other, making it convenient to get around without a car.

Art and culture are easy to find here

Although I could easily spend all my time at the beach, O'side also has an arts scene that I've really come to enjoy.

Murals are everywhere, especially along Artist Alley, a strip of funky shops that regularly hosts artisan markets. I've also come across tai chi classes on the beach, street fairs like the weekly Sunset Market, and an art walk and drum circle in front of the public library.

For a more traditional art experience, I also love checking out the Oceanside Museum of Art to view their rotating exhibits or attend an event.

Later in the day, I love catching some live music at The Jazzy Wishbone or Sound by the Sea, a local listening bar.

It's an easy, affordable beachside escape from LA or San Diego

There are a lot of beach towns in SoCal, but staying right by the water is usually pretty expensive. Oceanside, however, is surprisingly affordable, making it easy to plan a weekend close to the beach.

Every time I've gone, I've found overnight accommodations — even two-bedroom rentals — for under $200 a night.

Between how easy it is to arrive by train, navigate the area, and stick to a budget while seeing and eating everything Oceanside has to offer, this is the rare kind of beach escape that actually feels relaxing from start to finish.

• My family of four tried the "family pack" meal deal at Texas Roadhouse.
• For $55, we got four steaks, two sides, a dozen rolls, and a salad. It was all tasty.
• It felt like a great value, and I loved not having to eat inside a Texas Roadhouse to enjoy it.

As much as I love a good steakhouse chain like Outback and LongHorn, Texas Roadhouse has never really impressed me much.

I've always associated the chain with shell-your-own peanuts, loud music, and mediocre steak — and the few sit-down meals I've had there were just OK.

Recently, though, Texas Roadhouse's "family pack" menu caught my eye after I saw several Instagram reels from moms swearing by it. Several described the packs as a great dinnertime hack for feeding your family affordably and fast at home.

So, on a rare weekend night when my husband and two teenagers were all at home together, we picked up Texas Roadhouse's $55 sirloin-steak family pack.

Texas Roadhouse offers several different family packs for pickup or curbside orders.

There are several family packs on offer at the chain restaurant, from chicken-tender dinners to pulled-pork meals, all of which come with a salad, two shareable side dishes, and rolls with cinnamon butter.

Each is priced between $40 and $55, which seemed like a deal to me, considering the last time my party of four visited a Texas Roadhouse, a similar meal cost three times as much.

To place our order, I visited the Texas Roadhouse website on my phone, selected the meal I wanted, chose a pickup time, and paid.

Immediately after ordering, I started receiving text-message updates about the status of my order, including how to pick it up.

Later that evening, my husband got our food from Texas Roadhouse's curbside pickup. He texted his parking-space number to the restaurant and waited for our order to be brought out to his car.

The whole process was incredibly easy.

Our $55 meal came with four steaks, two sides, a salad, and rolls.

We chose the sirloin family pack for $55, which came with two 8-ounce and two 6-ounce steaks.

When I placed the order, the default cooking temperature was medium, with no option to change it. Luckily, that's how we prefer our steaks cooked anyway.

We also had to choose between a house or Caesar salad, then pick two sides from a list of mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, green beans, and seasoned rice.

Additionally, we could've paid extra to add drinks like a gallon of sweet tea or lemonade to our meal, but we stuck with the basics.

The sirloin steaks were moist and perfectly cooked.

Our four steaks were cooked perfectly with light-pink centers in line with a medium cook.

Out of curiosity, my husband checked each steak's temperature with an internal thermometer and found that each fell between the range that's considered medium, about 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

The steaks had beautiful grill marks and a perfect char-grilled flavor on the outside, while remaining moist and tender on the inside.

We all agreed these were the best steaks we've had from Texas Roadhouse.

There were plenty of side dishes to choose from.

As the mom of one picky eater and one kid who will try anything, I appreciated the number of side dishes there were to choose from, from green beans to seasoned rice.

I gladly let my kids pick since everything sounded good to me. Their choices were mashed potatoes with brown gravy and buttered corn, each was served in a huge 16-ounce portion.

Both sides were really delicious and simple. They made perfect accompaniments to our tasty steak, and we had plenty of leftovers afterward that my kids snacked on throughout the week.

My teens were thrilled by the rolls and cinnamon butter.

My kids fondly remember visits to Texas Roadhouse because of the chain's iconic cinnamon butter and golden-brown rolls.

With our family meal, we received a dozen warm rolls and a tub of cinnamon butter so large that we eventually threw half away.

My kids downed most of the rolls during our meal and loved having a few left over to warm in the microwave and slather with cinnamon butter later in the week.

The meal came with so much food that we saved the salad for the next night.

For our order, we chose the Caesar instead of the house salad since it's among my daughter's favorite foods.

It came in a 9-by-11-inch aluminum pan along with several containers of Caesar dressing. As I unpacked the meal, I suggested we use the salad for dinner the next day, since we had so much food to eat — my family agreed.

The following night, we paired it with grilled chicken I quickly whipped up to make it into a full dinner. It was a delicious meal, and I'm glad the salad kept well in the lidded aluminum tray.

The lettuce was still nice and crunchy, and the croutons were, too.

Overall, the tasty dinner fed us twice and seemed like a really great value.

When it comes to this Texas Roadhouse meal deal, I truly have no notes.

For the price, we received 32 ounces of well-cooked, sirloin steak, two pounds of side dishes, a dozen rolls, and a gigantic pan-full of salad.

The $55 price tag ($58 after tax) seemed well worth it to me. Plus, some of the other meals available, like pulled pork or pork chops, only cost $45.

I honestly enjoyed Texas Roadhouse's food way more in the privacy of my own home, away from its loud music and bustling bar scene.

I'd absolutely order this deal again to feed my family, and I'll also keep it in mind the next time I get a meal train sign-up email for someone in need.

It would be perfect for dropping off at a friend's or neighbor's house, especially since everything was packaged up so well with coordinating, air-tight lids.

The pack contained so much food that a small family could easily stretch it for a few days.

This story was originally published on September 1, 2025, and most recently updated on April 29, 2026.

• After going on over 20 cruises in the last 10 years, I've picked up some unconventional tips.
• A roll of duct tape is easy enough to pack and comes in handy for small emergencies.
• I also like to book spa appointments on port days because they tend to be cheaper.

I've been on over 20 cruises in the last decade, and always have another one on the horizon.

Throughout the years, I've accumulated an array of helpful travel tips, but my favorite hacks go beyond the usual advice like downloading the cruise line's app and packing a lanyard.

Here are five unconventional cruise tips I swear by that make life on board easier, more comfortable, and more cost-effective. 

I always pack a roll of duct tape, which can fix almost everything.

I always add duct tape to my list of things to pack because it's easy to bring and comes in handy for small emergencies.

For example, I've used it to repair a broken suitcase in a pinch or to bind flip-flops back together long enough to limp to the gift shop to buy a replacement pair.

On one recent cruise, I even used it to cover the motion sensor on the light in our room, which turned on automatically whenever someone walked between the bed and the bathroom.

Though a motion-sensor hall light was convenient in theory, we didn't want to wake each other up if we got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. We just made sure to remove the tape before we left.

For an elevated shower experience, I like to visit the gym.

In my experience, cruise ship bathrooms are designed to be efficient, not spacious. The small shower gets the job done, but it's definitely cramped, especially if you're a bigger person.

I've found that the showers in the gym are almost always larger and sometimes have additional bathroom amenities, such as mouthwash and elevated bath towels.

Doing laundry on board makes packing for longer cruises much easier.

There's usually a laundry or ironing room tucked away on deck for guests. I always make use of these rooms, as washing clothes mid-trip is a great way to minimize how much I need to pack.

Cruise cabins are small, and storage space is limited, so doing laundry on board is the perfect solution.

Plus, I've found these rooms are a surprisingly good place to meet interesting people.

I like to book spa appointments on port days.

Port days are often quieter on the ship because most passengers are ashore exploring.

If I'm not excited about a particular stop or I've visited it before, I consider staying on board and going to the spa instead.

On sea days, it can be tough to book a facial or massage, but on port days, I've found the schedule tends to be much more open. There are often money-saving specials, too, and the relaxation rooms feel so much more peaceful.

I rarely book a room with a balcony.

In my opinion, a room with a balcony isn't essential unless you're on an Alaskan cruise, where being able to take in the scenery is important.

On my first cruise, a travel agent told me I "had" to book a room with a balcony, and that once I did, I'd never be able to cruise in an interior cabin again. However, I don't think that's true.

I love a luxe stateroom as much as the next person, but I've had just as much fun on cruises where we've booked the cheapest cabin without any windows.

This story was originally published on November 21, 2025, and most recently updated on April 27, 2026.

• My husband and I remodeled our 600-square-foot kitchen into an open-concept space.
• We took down walls, added windows, and replaced the cabinets to make the room feel lighter.
• After the three-month renovation, I filled the room with bright, coastal-inspired decor.

Shortly after my husband and I returned from our honeymoon, we moved from a New York City apartment to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house we bought in Greenwich, Connecticut.

It wasn't a turnkey property — the white picket fence and bountiful rose garden I'd always envisioned were nowhere to be found — but it had potential.

The kitchen, in particular, needed extensive work.

Rather than writing off its harvest-gold linoleum floors, Formica countertops, and brown cabinets that looked straight out of the '80s, we viewed the dated interior as an opportunity for improvement.

So my husband and I rolled up our sleeves and renovated the kitchen, ultimately transforming it into a bright, coastal-inspired room at the center of our home.

We designed the room and completed the demolition, insulation, drywall, and trim ourselves (with some help from my dad) and hired a kitchen designer to install new cabinets and a countertop.

It was our first renovation project, so we felt extremely excited and accomplished when we finished and admired the results.

Our goal was to turn the dated kitchen into an open-concept, multipurpose room.

As we designed the space, we knew we didn't want it to have a traditional kitchen feel.

Our goal was to put together a warm, inviting room with an open floor plan where we could seamlessly cook, eat, relax, and entertain.

Because the front door opens directly into the room, it sets the tone for the home as soon as we walk in. Every detail mattered, and we had to carefully balance both aesthetics and functionality.

Before starting the renovation, we decided on our priorities.

To get an idea of how much we'd spend during the renovation, we listed all of our desired changes, from our must-have appliances to our wish list of finishing touches.

Our sights were set on a white cast-iron farmhouse sink, a high-end refrigerator, a custom farm table, and the quietest dishwasher we could find.

Of course, the project required more than just filling up our shopping cart. To create the open floor plan we designed, we had to take down several walls, including one that was load-bearing. We also added new windows and glass farmhouse doors to bring more natural sunlight into the space.

Other major expenses to plan for included electrical work, plumbing, insulation, drywall, flooring, kitchen cabinetry, hardware, countertops, a stove, and eventually new furniture.

Making so many decisions at once felt overwhelming, but we were determined to keep our three-month timeline on track and stick to our budget.

The cabinets were the centerpiece of the room.

We removed the dated brown cabinets from the studs and swapped them out for bright white, Shaker-style ones with honey-bronze hardware.

Before we even made it to this step, I'd already planned to showcase my favorite Anthropologie plates and glasses inside a few glass cabinets.

When it came time to furnish and decorate, we chose multifunctional pieces with a coastal-cottage aesthetic.

Although construction took three months, we needed a bit more time to get the space ready for guests.

The room is only about 600 square feet, so we had to be intentional with the space if we wanted it to look clean and uncluttered.

On the wall opposite the cabinets, we installed an arched glass buffet. It provides plenty of storage and doubles as a surface for serving guests.

The furniture we selected is all light in color and extremely practical.

Instead of a traditional island, we opted for a custom farm table in a natural beachy wood finish that could serve as a dining surface and prep area. On top of it sits an oversized charcuterie board, a practical and aesthetically pleasing piece.

We removed the wood-burning fireplace and opted for a modern gas unit, complete with driftwood logs. We styled the area in front with shiplap and white marble tiles.

For seating, we decided on a cozy sectional, statement chair, and plush ottoman that doubles as a coffee table.

The finishing touches really brought our vision to life.

The wide farmhouse-style trim throughout the space and around the windows ties the aesthetic together.

I also always have fresh flowers from my garden in a vase and beach-themed candles on my arched cabinet buffet.

Once one of our least favorite rooms in the house, the kitchen is now the space of our dreams.

Our charming, quaint main room is everything I hoped it would be. I spend every day in our open-concept kitchen and wouldn't have it any other way.

It serves as both my workspace and a calming oasis. I now have a space where I can be productive, experiment with new recipes, entertain family and friends, or simply relax in front of the fireplace.

Whether I'm coming home from a trip or a day of errands, I breathe a sigh of relief the moment I step inside the front door. Enjoying my morning espresso in the sunlight pouring through the windows gives me pure joy.

The results are worth every penny we spent and each hour of our hard work.

• My 70-year-old grandmother has been one of my biggest fashion inspirations.
• At 23, I still draw on her lessons as I get dressed, whether I'm wearing something casual or formal.
• She's taught me that clothes should be comfortable, practical, and confidence-boosting.

In many ways, my grandmother raised me.

We spent countless days together, and her face is at the center of some of my fondest childhood memories. She's one of the greatest influences in my life, shaping everything from how I see the world to how I dress.

Even as a 23-year-old, I admire her sense of style. Throughout her life, she's built an elegant wardrobe that draws from trends without necessarily following them.

At 70 years old, she continues to inspire me. Whenever I open my wardrobe to choose an outfit, I carry one of her invaluable lessons with me.

One of her core beliefs is that accessories should add to an outfit, not overwhelm it

I love accessories, often throwing on chunky jewelry, layering bold pieces, and stacking belts on my hips. Although my grandmother appreciates outfit embellishments, she's taught me to approach them with intention. They should add to an outfit, not overpower it.

For example, she isn't afraid to incorporate a pop of color — as long as it matches her accessories, from her bag to her shoes to her belt.

She's also strategic about her jewelry, choosing pieces based on her neckline and hairstyle that day. Her go-to earrings? Versatile medium-sized hoops, which are big enough to be visible under a range of hairstyles without dominating a look.

Now, my favorite everyday earrings are silver hoops. Every time I put them on, I feel like they brighten me up.

Although I play around with maximalist, trend-forward pieces, I stick to my grandmother's rules when I want to look elegant and timeless.

She taught me that walking with confidence can upgrade an outfit

My grandmother has always told me that picking out beautiful pieces is just the first step in putting together a great outfit. The way I carry myself when I'm wearing it can make or break a look.

I have vivid memories of her instructing me to walk in a straight line with my shoulders back, stepping with one leg in front of the other. I felt like I was balancing books on my head.

Over the years, walking with confidence has become second nature, whether I'm wearing a dress and heels or a sweatsuit and sneakers. She was right: It does make my clothes look better.

Even when my grandmother has dealt with health issues that affect her movements, she's always followed her own advice, walking straight with her head held high and shoulders back.

Her wardrobe is built on staple pieces that are practical and make her feel good

My grandmother has never been one to experiment much with clothes. I'm hard-pressed to remember a time when she wasn't wearing simple garments like straight pants, sweaters, tight long-sleeve T-shirts, or loose short-sleeve T-shirts.

She found her practical, elegant style when she was in high school and stayed true to it through every stage of life.

She gravitates toward easy-to-wear pieces that move with her and fit her body well. To her, clothes are meant to be worn, so they have to look and make her feel good in order to secure a spot in her closet.

For the past five years, I've focused on emulating her wardrobe. Every item I buy has to look good, feel nice on my body, and be practical.

When she layers, she makes sure the pieces complement each other

My grandmother has taught me that layering well requires more than throwing on multiple garments and calling it a day. The pieces have to be harmonious.

She has a way of looking elegant even as she combines unlikely pieces. When she's cold, I see her drape a long wool coat over her shoulders, throw on a pair of leather gloves, and tie a silk scarf around her neck.

Her base is always simple and cohesive, creating the perfect foundation for a layered outfit.

I've never been a big fan of layering clothes, but I use the same approach when choosing accessories. I start with a plain base layer before adding small, complementary pieces. I put thought into each one and consider how it works with the overall look.

My grandmother knows that wrinkles can ruin even the most stylish outfit

Growing up, my mom often insisted that I iron my clothes — later, I learned that the advice stemmed from my grandmother, who often shared it with her when she was young.

After all, even the best outfit can look messy if it's wrinkled.

In my family, crisp lines and smooth sleeves symbolize self-respect and elegance. Now, I follow their advice and never leave the house without ironing my clothes.

• I left behind my plans in Poland and moved to the US after falling in love with my American husband.
• It took a while to adjust, but I eventually built a career and a life that I loved.
• Now, my husband wants to move to Poland — so we compromised and decided to eventually retire there.

When I first moved from Poland to Austin, Texas, for a short-term internship in my mid-20s, I never intended to stay.

As a new graduate, my goal was to get some hands-on experience in international business practices before returning home to work with my dad and teach fitness classes on the side.

Then I met the man who would become my husband. We crossed paths in downtown Austin, both waiting for a taxi after a night out. We started talking, felt an instant connection, and from that night on, kept finding reasons to see each other.

When the internship ended, I returned to Poland as planned. A long-distance relationship wasn't easy, but we made it work. One month after I left, he flew to Poland, proposed, and suddenly, the life I thought I was building there no longer felt possible.

I left behind a clear-cut path and rebuilt my life

When I moved back to the US and we got married, I left behind more than my country. I walked away from a defined career path, my family business, and the comfort of knowing exactly where I belonged.

Starting over as an immigrant was harder than I expected. As soon as I got my work permit, I took the first job offer I got. I felt pressure to prove — to my family, my friends, and myself — that I was succeeding in America.

Getting a job quickly felt like validation. In hindsight, it was a mistake. The role wasn't right, but I stayed longer than I should have. As a new immigrant, I didn't think I could afford to be selective.

When I became pregnant with my first child, I quit my job and made a difficult but necessary decision: I went back to college. I earned a degree in computer information technology and eventually started a new career in tech.

For the first time since moving to the US, I felt stable again. I had rebuilt my confidence and proven to myself that starting over didn't mean starting from nothing.

Still, something was missing. In Poland, I had always envisioned myself running a business. That dream never disappeared.

Alongside my tech career, I started my own fitness coaching business. Through it, I met inspiring women in the US — entrepreneurs, mothers, immigrants — who helped me rediscover my ambition and sense of purpose.

It took nearly 10 years, but slowly, the US started feeling like home.

While I was building a home in Austin, my husband was falling in love with Poland — but we've found a compromise

Just as I felt rooted, my husband started dreaming of the life I once left behind.

Throughout our marriage, we traveled back to Poland often. Over time, my husband fell for the things I once took for granted: the slower pace of life, the food, the walkable cities, the mountain views near my hometown, and the old architecture layered with history.

Eventually, his curiosity turned more serious. He began talking about what daily life there might look like, bringing up how it would feel to enjoy slower mornings and spend more time with my family. After one memorable visit last year, he asked if I'd be open to planning a future in Poland.

The idea no longer felt abstract. I agreed to start looking at property — maybe a piece of land, or even a small house — sometime in the next year or two.

We had a lot of conversations. We discussed our careers, finances, children, and what we wanted our future to look like.

In the end, we compromised: We'll stay in the US for the time being, but buy property in Poland within the next year or two. We'll visit as much as we can and plan to eventually retire there, about three decades from now.

Moving countries for love taught me that rebuilding takes time, and clarity doesn't come all at once. It also taught me that home isn't just about geography, but choosing each other, no matter where you are.

• I'm a registered dietitian who relies on Trader Joe's for easy and nutritious meal options.
• Some of my favorite breakfast items include the store's Greek yogurt, bread, and frozen fruit.
• Trader Joe's frozen rice medley and steamed lentils help me make quick and easy meals.

As a registered dietitian, my happy place is wandering the aisles of a grocery store — especially Trader Joe's.

It's been one of my favorite stores since I was a child, and it's still one of the first places I go when I want to pick up items that make nutritious eating feel more realistic.

Here are some of the many items I always add to my cart.

Trader Joe's roasted-garlic hummus is satisfying on its own or when paired with veggies.

Hummus is one of my favorite foods for rounding out snacks and meals.

Since it's made primarily from chickpeas, it adds fiber, plant-based protein, and iron in a form that's easy to eat.

I use the roasted-garlic version as a dip, sandwich spread, salad dressing, or addition to a snack plate, and I especially love pairing it with Trader Joe's mini cucumbers for the perfect no-prep snack.

Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt is one of the most versatile items in my fridge.

The combination of protein and live probiotic cultures makes Trader Joe's Greek yogurt one of my most-used staples.

I use it as a breakfast base with fruit and chia seeds, as a smoothie thickener, or in savory meals as a sour-cream substitute.

I usually buy the plain version with no added sugar, so I can add my own fruit or chia jam, and control the sweetness myself.

Strawberry kefir is easy to drink on my way out the door.

As a fermented dairy product, kefir contains a wider variety of probiotic strains than yogurt and can help support healthy digestion.

The strawberry version from Trader Joe's is drinkable and lightly sweet, without the pronounced tartness plain kefir can have.

On mornings when I don't have time to put breakfast together, I'll pour a glass alongside a piece of seeded toast or fruit for a quick, gut-health-boosting breakfast.

One thing to note: Trader Joe's flavored kefirs contain added sugars, so if you're looking to avoid that, I suggest going for the plain version.

Trader Joe's frozen rice medley is a major time-saver.

I love having Trader Joe's rice medley in my freezer because it provides a more interesting base for dinner.

The mix of whole grains adds more fiber than white rice alone and pairs well with curries, stir-fries, and roasted vegetables. I just microwave it in the pouch for three minutes.

Garbanzo beans provide protein, fiber, and so many options.

Each half-cup serving of Trader Joe's garbanzo beans contains both fiber and plant-based protein, making this a must-have item in my pantry.

There are so many ways to prepare these beans. I air fry them for a crunchy snack, toss them into salads and grain bowls, stir them into soups, add them to dense bean salads, or blend them into sauces.

Since they're shelf-stable, I always have a can (or three) on hand to make a filling meal with minimal prep.

The sesame-crunch salad kit is a low-effort meal that's ready in under 5 minutes.

I love salad kits that taste good because they make me far more likely to prepare lunch instead of defaulting to takeout.

Trader Joe's sesame-crunch chopped salad kit has pre-shredded vegetables, a flavorful sesame dressing, and crunchy toppings that make it feel like a real meal instead of a side salad.

To make it more substantial, I like to add grilled chicken and edamame.

Trader Joe's steamed lentils make it easy to add fiber and protein to my diet.

Lentils are one of my favorite foods for adding plant-based protein and fiber to a meal. I especially like Trader Joe's precooked version because it saves me a lot of time.

I use them in a shortcut for lentil soup, as the base of bowls, and even in tacos when I want a plant-forward meal. They're also a good source of iron, which is another reason they're a staple in my fridge.

Frozen turkey burgers are a lean protein source that can be served with or without a bun.

Trader Joe's turkey burgers are one of the freezer staples I rely on most when I need dinner ready quickly.

Turkey is a complete protein and provides a good source of B vitamins like B6 and B12, which support energy production, mood, and cognitive function.

These burgers cook quickly in the air fryer or on the stove, and I use them in burger bowls, on salads, or with a whole-grain bun and sweet-potato fries for a quick weeknight meal.

The frozen fire-roasted bell peppers and onions make taco night easy.

Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, and the fire-roasting process gives them a depth of flavor you wouldn't expect from a frozen vegetable.

I add these to tacos, fajitas, and grain bowls when I want a vegetable that's already chopped, cooked, and ready to eat. This product saves me time, adds color and flavor, and makes it easier to eat my servings of vegetables.

Edamame is a great source of fiber.

Edamame is one of the few plant-based foods that contains all nine essential amino acids — AKA the ones the body can't make on its own and, therefore, has to get from food.

The legume is also an excellent source of fiber, which supports digestion, helps stabilize blood sugar, and sustains fullness.

I keep a bag in the freezer at all times, and like to steam a bowl for a mid-afternoon snack.

Frozen fruit is just as nutritious as fresh, and this berry blend never goes to waste.

Frozen fruit is one of the easiest ways to keep a healthy option on hand without worrying about it going bad.

Plus, since frozen fruit is picked and processed at peak ripeness, its vitamin and antioxidant content is comparable to that of fresh versions.

I especially like picking up Trader Joe's Very Cherry Berry blend, which provides a nice variety of cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. It's perfect for smoothies or as an oatmeal topping.

I always grab a loaf of Trader Joe's organic seeded bread.

Trader Joe's organic seeded bread makes toast or a sandwich feel more substantial. The seeds are a great source of healthy fats, magnesium, and fiber.

I especially like using this bread for turkey and avocado sandwiches at lunch, and I'll have it with peanut butter and banana before a workout.

Keep reading our Trader Joe's diaries here.

• Every December, I travel with my mother-in-law and wife. This year, we took a trip to Charleston.
• Encouraging my mother-in-law to help plan led us to experiences we wouldn't have found on our own.
• We built the days around what she could handle and took turns picking activities and restaurants.

My wife, Cece, moved from Texas to Australia 12 years ago, but we still head back to the US every Christmas.

While we're home, the two of us take a trip with her mother, Liz. Liz's partner, Pete, doesn't like to travel, so this annual December trip is her primary holiday.

In the past, we've headed to Nashville, Seattle, and Washington DC. At the end of last year, we spent four days in Charleston and had a wonderful trip.

We picked activities at Liz's pace and took turns choosing experiences

Over the years, we've learned that Liz enjoys a trip more when she can help shape it rather than just show up for it. So before heading to Charleston, I had a visitor's brochure mailed to her in Texas.

The day it arrived, she called with a list of things she had already researched and wanted to try, including a Gullah Geechee tour to learn about the history and culture of the descendants of enslaved Africans who settled along the Carolina coast.

Bus and walking tours were available, and we chose the bus even though I would've preferred the latter.

It was important for us to consider what would be most sustainable for my 75-year-old mother-in-law when booking activities. Riding the bus meant Liz could arrive at lunch with energy instead of blisters.

Throughout the trip, we also took turns selecting activities so no one felt left out. My choice was a cocktail-making class, which is also indoors and offers plenty of seating.

Liz drinks a little but would never have thought to book a class like this herself, which is another perk of taking turns: You get to try things you never thought you would.

The class ended up being just the three of us at a bar with a 25-year-old instructor. We learned how the Old Fashioned got its name, what makes a good bartender, and that Liz pours generously. Her first attempt overflowed.

By the third round, Liz was jiggling the shaker like a professional and informing us she was keeping up with "the young kids."

The instructor even invited her behind the bar. She posed for the camera, and we sent the video straight to Pete. He replied: "Oh boy. She's really loving this."

Liz also chose for us to visit the Charleston City Market, a stretch of local vendors and artists that has been running for centuries.

We'd planned to stop for an hour and stayed for over two as Liz watched sweetgrass baskets being woven, bought Christmas ornaments, and talked to every artisan who'd stand still long enough.

I walked ahead and checked my watch several times, but tried to stay patient. Liz had taken a whole cocktail-making class she'd never have picked herself, so two hours at the market felt fair.

Each of us got to choose a meal, too

Over our four days, we each picked a meal to share. Liz chose Lewis BBQ, partly because it's run by a fellow Texan, which she felt was a good sign.

She takes barbecue seriously, and the brisket was the real test. Her wide post-bite smile told me the barbecue had passed.

I took us to Southern restaurant Poogan's Porch one night so we could order shrimp and grits, something I'd never tried.

Cece chose to get breakfast on our last morning at Callie's Hot Little Biscuits. We ordered a range of sweet and savory bites, and Cece and I managed to take down one biscuit each.

Liz had two and a half and immediately bought a box to take home.

In the end, a few things made the trip work

Encouraging my mother-in-law to plan from Texas meant she arrived at our destination already invested with ideas we'd never have found on our own.

Picking activities at a pace that suited everyone, like the Gullah Geechee bus tour and the cocktail-making class, meant no one was worn out by dinner — and taking turns meant nobody got dragged through someone else's idea of fun for too long.

At the end of the trip, Liz flew home to San Antonio with biscuits, cocktail recipes, and Christmas ornaments. Her partner said she looked like she was having the time of her life in the photos and videos we sent, though the cocktails are still a work in progress.

We've already begun planning this December's trip, so I should probably send a new brochure to Liz soon.

• I tried a few pies from Aldi's Mama Cozzi's label to see which frozen pizzas are the best.
• Each Mama Cozzi's pizza was tasty, but I was disappointed by the tavern-style extra-loaded supreme.
• The rising-crust four-cheese pie would've been my fave if I hadn't had the stone-baked veggie pizza.

Frozen pizza can be an easy, budget-friendly meal — but it doesn't need to taste as cheap as it sounds.

Fortunately, Aldi offers an array of budget-friendly frozen options under its Mama Cozzi's label that cost less than $10 each. With so many varieties (including seasonal flavors), it can be tough to figure out which are worth buying.

So, I tried six frozen pizzas from Aldi and ranked them from my least favorite to my top pick. Here's how they stacked up.

Mama Cozzi's tavern-style extra-loaded supreme pizza sounded promising.

With "extra-loaded" in the name, I was expecting to be impressed.

The thin-crust pie is topped with bell peppers, Italian sausage, red onion, pepperoni, and mushrooms.

When I removed this pizza from the box, though, it looked like it was only topped with cheese. Upon closer inspection, I saw a smattering of toppings buried beneath the shreds. I was curious to see how it'd cook.

This pizza cost me $5.49, and serves five.

I was quite confused by this pie.

The photo on the box didn't look anything like my final pizza.

Once cooked, the toppings were nearly invisible aside from a few peppers and pepperoni pieces sticking out on the edges.

The cheese got wonderfully golden, but the peppers and meat pieces below it didn't crisp up much. All in all, this pizza had a decent flavor, but not enough toppings.

This was still better than frozen pizzas I've tried from many other brands, but it was my least favorite of the group.

Mama Cozzi's French-bread pepperoni pizza was pretty affordable.

The Mama Cozzi's French-bread pepperoni pizza is made with mozzarella and topped with pepperoni.

I paid only $2.79 for a box with two pieces; each is one serving.

This was great, but I'm not sure it hits my craving for pizza.

This felt more like a toasted, open-faced pepperoni sandwich than a pizza. The bread was crunchy, but I found myself missing a more typical crust.

Plus, this seemed to have far less cheese than any other pizzas I tried. I could see way too much of the sauce peeking through the layer of shredded mozzarella.

Still, I enjoyed eating this and thought the pepperoni (made with pork, beef, and chicken) tasted exceptionally good.

I was quite confident that I'd enjoy the original thin supreme pizza.

For what it's worth, I lived on the Mama Cozzi's original thin-crust pizzas throughout the pandemic. These cost a little more now than in 2021, but they're still a great value at $3.19 for a pie that serves three.

For this taste test, I tried the supreme variety, which comes with sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, and onion.

There were loads of toppings on this pizza.

This pizza was pretty impressive as it seemed loaded with all of the aforementioned toppings. Each bite seemed to have pepperoni or sausage.

The cracker-like crust wasn't anything to write home about in terms of flavor, but it was the perfect crunchy conduit for the toppings.

The Mama Cozzi's flatbread pizza with pepperoni and mozzarella had potential.

Flatbread pizzas can be hit or miss. Sometimes their crusts get soggy or too crisp, but they can be delicious when done well.

This rectangular flatbread pizza from Mama Cozzi's that I tried is made with both sliced and diced pepperoni, plus fresh mozzarella.

It cost me $4.79 and comes with two servings.

I found myself pleasantly surprised by this offering.

I was pleasantly surprised by my very first bite. The crust was buttery and flaky in a light, airy, beautiful way.

The ratio of cheese to meat seemed well-balanced, and the different pepperoni cuts helped the toppings feel more evenly distributed.

The rectangular shape made the pizza fairly easy to eat, which I also liked. All in all, this pizza was delicious.

The rising-crust four-cheese pizza seemed like it was going to be a bit overwhelming.

The most indulgent pizza of them all seemed to be the Mama Cozzi's four-cheese pizza with a rising crust described as "fluffy" and "full."

Toppings include Asiago, Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella, and in terms of ounces, this pizza was the heaviest.

It cost me $4.19 and has six servings.

Its crust was indeed fluffy and full.

As essentially promised by the box, the crust was the softest and most pillowy of the pies on this list.

I tasted notes of each individual cheese atop a slightly sweet red sauce. Parmesan and Asiago added a nice variety of salty flavors to the pie.

Plus, I found it incredibly filling — after two slices, I was satisfied.

It was fantastic, even eaten cold and leftover, the next day. This would've been my favorite if not for one dark horse.

The Mama Cozzi's stone-baked veggie pizza caught me by surprise.

The Mama Cozzi's stone-baked veggie pizza with an Italian crust seemed loaded with red onion, spinach, grilled peppers, and grilled zucchini.

I wasn't super excited to try it since I really enjoy meat and was a bit turned off by how little mozzarella appeared to be on the pie based on the photo on the box.

I paid $3.99 for the pizza, which contains four servings.

I wasn't expecting this pie to be my favorite.

I was skeptical at first, but this pizza blew me away.

There was so little sauce that I barely noticed it, but I didn't find I actually needed or wanted more. The pizza wasn't dry, and I liked that the vegetables on top were spread to the edge of the crust.

The crust tasted buttery — though not as buttery as the flatbread's — and was very flavorful with Italian herbs and a crunchy yet fluffy texture.

This pizza's toppings were the tastiest and most colorful. With so many textures and flavors, the slight lack of cheese didn't bother me after all.

All in all, this pizza was my top pick.

This story was originally published on June 3, 2025, and most recently updated on April 24, 2026.

• I buy some great products at Dollar Tree, but there are things I don't like to get at the chain.
• The trash bags and plastic storage bags at the chain have not impressed me much.
• I'd rather spend a little more to get higher-quality tools, kitchen gadgets, and candles.

As a mom of two teenagers, I try to stress to my kids that it's never a bad idea to save money where you can.

One way I've done so is by shopping at the discount chain Dollar Tree for the past two decades. It's been my favorite place to grab household essentials at low prices.

I've been happy with spices, batteries, face masks, and other basics I've purchased there for $1.25 or $1.50 — way less than I've paid at other big-box stores.

However, there are a few Dollar Tree items I've found to be not worth my time or money. As a frequent shopper, here are a few things I don't buy from the discount chain.

I'd rather get my candles elsewhere.

I enjoy burning scented candles in my home, but I've found that the ones sold at Dollar Tree are just OK.

In my experience, Dollar Tree's candles smell great in the store but don't seem to emit much fragrance when lit at home. They can also burn very quickly.

I'd rather spend a few more dollars to get a better-quality candle from somewhere else, like Target or Aldi.

Although I skip the chain's plastic toys, Dollar Tree has some great activity options for kids.

My kids may be teenagers now, but I remember all too well when they were small, and they'd ask to get a toy on our Dollar Tree shopping trips.

My answer was no if they were looking at the toy section filled with flimsy plastic items that didn't seem designed to last more than a few weeks.

Instead, I'd direct my kids to pick out something else from the discount chain, like craft supplies, sidewalk chalk, modeling clay, or coloring books.

Dollar Tree has a great selection of these items, which encourage kids to use their creativity and are less likely to end up in the donation bin after a week.

In my experience, tools are worth investing in.

Over the years, I've purchased screwdrivers, pliers, and other tools at Dollar Tree that broke after a few uses or in the middle of a DIY project.

Although the prices here are tempting upfront, I'd rather invest in more expensive, built-to-last tools I can use for years to come.

Still, some of the chain's hardware section is worth checking out. I've been happy with the nails, screws, and stick-on wall hooks I've bought at Dollar Tree.

The garbage bags have not impressed me.

With a house full of teenagers and pets, I need durable garbage bags that'll make it from our kitchen to our outdoor trash area without making a mess.

Sadly, the trash bags I've purchased at Dollar Tree have not held up as well as pricier ones from more recognizable brands. I'd rather spend a few more dollars on trash bags so I can worry less about potential rips and holes.

The disposable plastic storage bags aren't for me, either.

Whether we're packing snacks for a trip or storing dinner leftovers, our family needs our plastic bags to be sturdy and really reliable. So, I skip the ones at Dollar Tree.

Despite the tempting price, I find they can rip quite easily, and, if they have seals, they don't hold very well.

I'll skip most of the kitchen gadgets and utensils.

I've stopped buying knives, flatware, and kitchen tools at Dollar Tree. Many of the ones I've tried have been more flimsy than I'd prefer, and some have bent or broken during use.

That said, these budget-friendly options can be great if you're looking for somewhat disposable kitchen items that can be tossed after a few uses — maybe basics for an outdoor cooking area or to keep by the grill.

The food-storage containers haven't lived up to my expectations.

I'm a big fan of buying food storage containers that are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to replace if they get lost. After all, I have two teens and a husband who use these to take meals out into the world almost daily.

Unfortunately, the ones I've tried from Dollar Tree haven't met my expectations. In my opinion, they crack pretty easily and just don't feel as high-quality as low-cost options I've bought at stores like Target or Walmart.

I'd rather purchase my paper goods elsewhere.

Paper goods are essential in any household, from sturdy paper towels to clean up kitchen messes to soft tissues for cold and flu season.

Dollar Tree has many options, but offerings I've tried from the chain have let me down so far, from too-thin toilet paper to tissues that feel scratchy on the nose.

I prefer to purchase my paper goods elsewhere and stick with my family's tried-and-true labels. By buying in bulk or looking for sales, I can often find paper towels and other basics at comparable prices anyway.

• I'm a wedding planner giving advice to readers about sharing crucial information with guests.
• It's OK to skip an open bar, but you should make your plan clear to guests.
• It's best to be straightforward in your invite and tell your guests to avoid wearing white.

In my many years of being a wedding planner, I've helped couples navigate all sorts of difficult situations before and during their big day.

Here are answers to a few common questions they've asked me.

Q: Can we skip bridesmaids and groomsmen? How will this affect the ceremony?

A: You can skip bridesmaids and groomsmen. It's up to you and your partner, but you can either skip those particular titles, which are gendered, or you can forgo a wedding party entirely.

This can affect the ceremony since a wedding party is often standing or sitting alongside a couple at the altar. If you want people to be with you rather than in the audience with other guests, arrange this accordingly — but it's also not necessary that anyone be up there with you.

The biggest change may actually be before and after the ceremony.

Before, you and your partner will want to be very clear about who, if anyone, is taking on the responsibilities that often fall to members of a wedding party. This can include hosting celebrations like an engagement party, a wedding shower, and a bachelor or bachelorette party.

After that, you two will want to pick the witnesses who will sign your legal marriage license, as they are required in nearly all US states.

Though I've worked venues where the witnesses were not members of the wedding party, they often are a part of this group.

Q: Will guests judge us if we have a cash bar?

A: Here's my response to any guest who judges you two for not paying a multi-thousand-dollar bar tab: Pay a cover.

The average cost to cater a guest at a wedding is about $80, and that's before alcohol. So, not opting for an open bar is quite reasonable.

The trick is to message ahead of time through guest-facing communication, such as an invitation or a wedding website. Consider a line as straightforward as "cash bar" to signal to your guests that "there'll be alcohol here but no, we're not paying for it."

I also wish more couples would consider doing an open bar for cocktail hour and a cash bar for the reception. I've done this several times at weddings, and it's always worked well.

Another way to do this is to set a limit with the bar, say, $500. Tell the bartender to notify you or someone you trust when you're approaching this limit. Then you and your partner can decide whether to change the limit or move to cash.

However, setting a limit also requires you to think about logistics on your wedding day, so it's not the right fit for everyone. I suggest it as an option if you two are having trouble deciding what the right number is for the tab.

Q: How many people from our guest list will actually show?

A: Couples often tell me some form of "We're inviting 200, but only think 100 will come." Please don't invite way more guests than you want or than your venue can accommodate — it can backfire.

In my experience, a more reasonable attrition rate is between 10% and 12%, but this can also vary. You may have fewer guests attend if you're planning a destination wedding or invite people with kids.

When in doubt, invite fewer people and then expand your guest list as RSVPs come in. It's not as rude as you think.

Q: How do I get guests to not wear white to a wedding?

A: You tell them not to wear white to a wedding. Guests don't usually do this, but if someone showing up in white will change how you feel about your wedding, communicate that boundary.

Here's one way it could look: "We kindly ask that you do not wear white to the wedding." Then, include details about things people can wear: "All other colors encouraged" or "Black tie but no white, please."

Share this information on your biggest piece of guest-facing communication. This might be an invitation, a wedding website, a Facebook group, or an email — whatever you and your partner are using to tell people the who, what, where, and when of your special day.

This story was originally published on February 17, 2022, and most recently updated on April 7, 2026.

• I lived in Italy for eight years, and I still go back every summer to visit family and enjoy Europe.
• I wish I could go even more often, but it's not always possible to hop on an international flight.
• Luckily, I've found cities in California, Michigan, and Florida that feel like Italy to me.

When I was in college, studying abroad in Italy was a no-brainer. My great-grandparents are from a tiny village just outside Modena, and I was curious about my heritage.

Something that took me by surprise, though, was the realization that I didn't want to leave.

After my semester ended, I lived and worked in Rome throughout my early 20s. Eventually, I moved back to the US and became an Italian teacher.

Although I now live in Chicago, Italy still feels like my second home: I make a point to spend summers there, mainly so my daughter can bond with her nonna.

As lucky as I am to visit Italy every year, I still wish I could go more often. Thankfully, I've discovered a handful of places across the US that capture the energy of my favorite Italian regions.

These cities offer Americans a slice of Italian culture, minus the hourslong flight overseas — and help quench my insatiable thirst for Italy with soul-stirring food, wine, history, and charm.

Catalina Island's hidden coves and crystalline waters feel like Capri.

Located off the coast of southern California, Catalina Island is about 22 miles long. It's easily accessible via ferry service, which operates out of three ports near Los Angeles.

When I first visited Catalina Island, I was awed by the dramatic shorelines, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves. I felt like I was back on Capri.

I hiked to the top of the Garden to Sky trail, catching panoramic views that felt straight out of a Mediterranean postcard. Then, I soaked up the sunshine at Descanso Beach while sipping a chilled glass of prosecco.

Florida is home to Coral Gables, a city that always reminds me of Lake Como.

With its glamorous Mediterranean-style architecture, lush gardens, and waterfront estates, Coral Gables feels like Florida's answer to Italy's Lake Como.

The Italian Renaissance-inspired Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, built in the early 1900s, reminds me of the grand villas that line Como's shores.

If you plan your own visit, don't forget to check out the Venetian Pool — this public swimming spot was carved from a coral rock quarry, and (true to its name) feels straight out of Italy.

Chicago and Milan are "sister cities," and it's easy to see why.

It's no surprise to me that my hometown of Chicago and the metropolis of Milan are officially sister cities. Both feature vibrant street art, designer boutiques, and — unsurprisingly, maybe — delicious Italian food.

I always recommend that tourists plan a trip to coincide with the Randolph Street Market, a pop-up vintage extravaganza. You can also explore Chicago's dynamic mural scene with a street art tour.

Finally, Chicago's pizza is as hearty and rich as any slices you'd find in Italy. You can't leave my hometown without trying our legendary deep dish.

For a classic experience, head to Giordano's. The stuffed pizza here is a masterpiece of cheese and sauce wrapped in a golden crust.

Sonoma bears an uncanny resemblance to Tuscany.

The first time I visited Sonoma, California, I was struck by how much it resembled the Tuscan countryside, from the golden hills to rustic farmhouses.

When I found myself gathered around a long wooden table at Pedroncelli Winery, surrounded by laughter, clinking glasses, and the comforting scent of fresh herbs and olive oil, I felt wrapped in the same warmth and magic of the Italian countryside.

Perhaps the most obvious similarity, though, is the locals' deep appreciation for wine. You can even immerse yourself in vineyard life by staying at one of the several wineries that offer accommodations.

Venice Beach in California feels just like the Italian city of the same name.

Venice Beach's bohemian vibe and canals are an almost-perfect replica of Venice, Italy.

Developed in 1905, the canals of this coastal Los Angeles neighborhood were designed to look like those in Venice. Whenever I stroll along the picturesque bridges and waterfront homes, I almost feel like I'm in Italy … all that's missing are the gondolas.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, reminds me of the Italian Dolomites.

This Michigan city's Alpine-style buildings, hearty cuisine, and cozy charm really resemble the Dolomites in northeastern Italy.

Moments like browsing handcrafted wooden ornaments at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland (the world's largest Christmas store), enjoying a traditional Alpine feast, and setting off on a riverboat cruise on the Cass River made me feel like I was celebrating Natale — or Christmas — in Europe.

This story was originally published on August 18, 2025, and most recently updated on March 26, 2026.

• There are a few mistakes I wish I'd avoided before and during my family's trip to South Korea.
• I wish I had planned more hikes, purchased a transit card sooner, and spent more time outside Seoul.
• Looking back, I wish I'd taken more time to learn about local history and music.

When I was planning my family's summer trip to Japan, a stop in South Korea wasn't originally part of the itinerary.

However, when I found a great deal on premium-economy tickets to Tokyo with a layover in Seoul, I decided to extend our stay in South Korea's capital and spend five days exploring the city.

My children and I ended up loving South Korea, but our trip probably would have been better if I'd avoided these five mistakes.

We should've sought out more hikes and planned experiences within nature.

Seoul is an energetic, bustling city. Before the trip, I had assumed we'd spend most of our time visiting urban attractions and learning more about the flashy local Gangnam Style.

However, the mountains and natural beauty in Seoul made a bigger impression on me than anything else in the city.

By sheer luck, I'd booked a stay at a hotel right by Namsan Park, a massive forest in the mountains inside city limits. My family took two long, unplanned hikes in the park — and they turned out to be some of the best parts of the trip.

Although I'm glad we stumbled upon this urban oasis, I wish I had been more intentional about planning to explore more natural attractions in and around Seoul during our visit.

Our itinerary didn't include enough trips and experiences outside Seoul.

During the trip, my family explored Seoul's ancient palaces and steeped ourselves in K-pop culture. We walked laps around Seoul's trendy Myeong-dong neighborhood, eating Korean street food, hunting for K-beauty finds.

We left Seoul twice for day trips to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea and to visit K-drama filming locations.

Since South Korea wasn't our final destination, I thought five days would be enough to get a feel for the country.

It certainly felt like enough time to explore Seoul, and I loved my time in South Korea — but I left wishing I had more time to explore the country beyond its capital.

For example, I would've loved to visit the volcanic Jeju Island or the beaches and mountains in Busan.

Learning a bit more about local history and culture would've enriched the trip.

When I travel, I usually make it a point to learn more about the place I'm visiting since doing so always enriches my experiences.

However, once I landed in Seoul, I realized how little I really knew.

For example, I wish I'd taken more time to learn about the Japanese occupation of Korea and the Korean War. There are echoes of these events everywhere, and families in Korea remain divided between the North and South.

I also wish I'd become more familiar with popular local bands and listened to more K-pop before I landed. This music is a vital part of Korean culture, and ads with K-pop bands and signs wishing a K-pop star a happy birthday were all over Seoul during my visit.

It would've been cool to understand and appreciate these references … and maybe even sing along to some local hits.

It took us a little too long to embrace local convenience-store culture.

Convenience stores are ubiquitous in Seoul, and the ones we encountered were nothing like the ones back home, which often feel like a last resort for a grab-and-go bite.

Here, convenience stores are staples for a reason. I was impressed by the wide variety of affordable meals, snacks, and beverages on offer in these stores — and by the fact that many of them had seating areas.

By the end of my time in South Korea, I had grown accustomed to eating quick, low-cost, delicious (and sometimes even healthy) meals at a table inside a convenience store with my kids.

Doing something like this is nearly unheard of in the United States, and I wish I had embraced this quintessentially Korean habit much earlier. That way, we could've saved some money on food and efficiently tried even more local favorites.

Getting a transit card at the airport would've saved me money and headaches.

For most visitors, Seoul's extensive public-transportation system is the best way to get around the city. However, using it came with some unexpected challenges.

On my first full day in Seoul, I wanted to take the bus. However, I found that I had no way to pay since physical transit cards aren't sold at bus stops and buses don't accept cash or credit cards.

I got where I wanted to go by taking an Uber instead. Paying a few extra bucks wasn't the end of the world, but I love taking public transportation when I travel, and wish I'd been better prepared.

Even though I was exhausted when I landed in Seoul, I should've taken a few minutes to buy a transit card before leaving the airport to make using public transportation easier.

After I picked one up partway through my trip, getting around the city was easy and affordable. (The card I purchased is "Squid Game"-themed, which also makes it a cool souvenir.)

• As an interior-design expert, I've seen people make common style mistakes in living rooms.
• Hide cords from your TV and electronics, and don't put too much furniture in the living room.
• Accent chairs should be used sparingly, and rugs should add personality to your space.

Your living room should feel like a calm, personal retreat—not a source of visual chaos.

As a seasoned interior stylist and founder of DBF Interiors, I've seen plenty of cluttered, unintentionally designed spaces that could be improved with just a few simple tweaks.

Here are a few things to get rid of in your living room if you want an instant upgrade.

Remove furniture that makes your space feel cramped.

Placing too much furniture in a living room is a common design mistake. Poor spatial arrangements paired with large, clunky pieces just make a space feel crowded rather than cozy.

Instead of filling your living room with lots of furniture, be intentional about the items you select.

Focus on curating instead of collecting, seeking out essential pieces that are unique and functional. This will help you maintain a more open floor plan.

Replace boring rugs with ones that make a statement.

I find that many people settle for bland, uninspiring rugs that fail to add color or flavor to a space.

Since rugs make such a big visual statement, go for something exciting. Try out colorful, patterned rugs to jazz up your living room and infuse it with your personality.

Too many accent chairs can cause unneeded clutter.

A beautiful accent chair can complement and enhance a living room.

However, not all spaces have a layout and ideal seating plan that allows for one. Forcing a bulky chair into a space that doesn't fit it properly can create unnecessary clutter.

And if you find yourself needing multiple accent chairs to make a space functional, consider swapping them for a larger, more comfortable sofa.

Hide visible wires to keep your space looking neat.

Visible cords and wires can distract from a well-decorated space and make it feel cluttered.

Fortunately, there are many creative ways to hide them. For example, you can feed them through your TV console or snake them behind baseboard accessories.

You can even purchase concealing cord caps and paint them to match your wall color.

Cover your basic pillows with fresh designs and colors.

Instead of keeping the accent pillows that came with your couch or sticking with basic designs, consider upgrading.

After all, curated accent pillows are a great way to add more personality and substance to your living area.

I suggest swapping out accent pillows every six months to a year to spruce up your living room.

Instead of completely repurchasing new pillows each time, opt for covers that are easy to change and low-commitment (especially if you want to try trendy textures, colors, and patterns).

This story was originally published on May 10, 2021, and most recently updated on March 24, 2026.

• I've been on many Disney cruises and have upgraded to its concierge class four times.
• It's pricey, but it comes with complimentary bites and drinks, a spacious room, and other benefits.
• To me, the most valuable perk is priority access for booking cabanas on Disney's private islands.

I've been on about 15 Disney cruises. Of those sailings, I've booked concierge four times.

It's the most luxurious tier available and is substantially more expensive than other staterooms. Prices vary, but in general, I've found concierge staterooms are about double the price of a deluxe verandah (balcony) stateroom.

For example, on a recent five-night sailing aboard the Disney Dream, we spent $10,000 on a one-bedroom concierge stateroom for our family of four. A deluxe verandah room would've been about $5,000.

With that in mind, I'm often asked if concierge is worth the splurge. Personally, there's just one benefit that makes it feel worth it for my family.

Concierge comes with many perks, but they don't necessarily make up for the high price tag

In addition to priority boarding and larger, upgraded rooms, concierge passengers have access to exclusive lounge areas and a private sun deck on their ship.

They can order complimentary alcohol and specialty drinks at the embarkation-day lunch and during the nightly happy hour in said lounge.

Plus, they receive free popcorn and bottled sodas for the on-board theater shows, complimentary mini-bar items in their room, and a more robust, high-end selection of bathroom amenities.

The rooms are really nice, but we typically don't spend much time in them since there's so much to do on and off the ship. And, if you add up every drink and bucket of popcorn, the difference between a verandah and a concierge stateroom still doesn't come close to evening out.

However, what really makes concierge special is the white-glove attentive service and front-of-the-line access for everything.

That's where my favorite perk comes in: priority access to the elusive beach cabanas on Disney's private islands.

For me, priority cabana access is the only reason to book concierge

Many Disney cruises stop at at least one of its private island destinations in the Bahamas: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Each location has around two dozen cabanas available for rent, and they're really exclusive since Disney ships have thousands of passengers.

This scarcity is why concierge status can make all the difference. They get first crack at booking all activities and experiences, including cabanas.

In my experience, the cabanas go fast and can fill up before the booking window even opens to all guests, including those at the highest Disney Cruise Line loyalty tier who are in line after concierge.

I've found it's rare for a non-concierge guest to get a cabana unless they're on the waitlist and get lucky with a last-minute cancellation.

On top of that, concierge guests don't have to compete in the "log in at midnight when your booking window opens" game to get the amenities they want.

Instead, they have a dedicated email they can use to communicate their wishes, and a concierge handles it for them.

On our first concierge sailing, we requested a cabana and it was reserved for us well before our departure. On the second, we got wait-listed, then were notified that we'd gotten a cabana while aboard the ship.

To be clear, these cabanas are not free or discounted for concierge passengers. We've paid between $700 to $900 a day for ones that fit up to six guests.

They're more than just a place for privacy and shade, though: The elevated spaces have dedicated hosts, lots of seating, and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

On Castaway Cay, the cabanas include access to snorkel gear, beach floats, and one-hour bike rentals, which would normally all cost extra.

No matter what you spend, good weather is never gaurunteed. On one trip, I was disappointed when one of our cabana beach days was cut short by a storm — mostly because I didn't feel we got our money's worth.

However, our host was quick to bring rain ponchos, and our kids thought our private golf-cart ride back to the ship was the best part of the day.

Concierge may not be a great value for everyone, but for travelers like me, it's a worthy splurge

Paying double for a cruise to be able to spend an extra almost-thousand dollars on a beach day is certainly not worth it for everyone.

I could see concierge being a great splurge for fellow Disney cruisers chasing privacy and front-of-the-line access. After all, if you're not in concierge, it's almost impossible to secure a cabana.

Ultimately, the value of this upgrade depends on which perks you plan to use and how important they are to your group. (And whether or not your ship is stopping at one of Disney's private islands.)

Sailing concierge really does feel luxurious and occasionally upgrading so we can score a precious cabana has been worth it.

However, my family's also been perfectly happy in the interior staterooms on a Disney cruise.

• My family and I tried and ranked plain Greek yogurt from four grocery stores.
• My daughter and I thought Trader Joe's Greek nonfat yogurt had an odd flavor.
• The organic plain nonfat Greek yogurt from Wegmans was our winner.

I feel like I'm always buying Greek yogurt for my family, and even though we have our favorites, I like to switch things up every once in a while.

So, I decided to see how the store-brand versions from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Costco, and Wegmans compare. To find out, I bought the most basic plain Greek yogurt I could find at each store and sampled them without any toppings.

Here's how they stacked up, from worst to best.

Trader Joe's nonfat plain Greek yogurt had a nice consistency.

I liked that Trader Joe's option didn't have the ubiquitous pool of milky whey that sometimes settles on top of yogurt when I open it. The yogurt seemed to have a nice, medium-thick consistency.

At $5.50, the 32-ounce tub of Greek yogurt was the least expensive of the four brands I tried.

The yogurt was creamy but a bit too tangy for my taste.

Sadly, I thought this yogurt had an intensely tangy, almost sour flavor.

Because of its standout creaminess, though, I'd like to try the store's other varieties of flavored Greek yogurt next time.

The Greek yogurt from Whole Foods was the most expensive option.

At $6.70, this 32-ounce tub was the most expensive yogurt I tried. When I opened the container, the yogurt looked creamy and smooth.

The 365 Greek yogurt tasted mildly sweet, with no tanginess.

The 365 Greek yogurt tasted fresh and was well-balanced — mildly sweet and not too tangy or tart.

I'd likely use this yogurt in one of my smoothies, as I don't feel it would alter the taste, but would add a nice boost of protein.

The Kirkland Signature organic plain Greek yogurt from Costco was the best bang for my buck.

The $6 Kirkland Signature organic nonfat Greek yogurt came in a 48-ounce tub.

On a cost-per-ounce basis, it was the best value of the varieties I tried. The entire tub was cheaper than the 365 organic yogurt from Whole Foods — and contained 16 more ounces.

The Kirkland Signature yogurt would make a great base for fruit or granola.

The Kirkland Signature yogurt was rich and full-bodied, with just enough tartness to give it some depth.

I appreciated that this yogurt, though less dense than the others, didn't have a puddle of whey at the top. It seemed like an ideal base for fruit, granola, or other add-ins.

Finally, I tried Wegmans' organic nonfat plain Greek yogurt.

The 32-ounce tub of organic Greek yogurt from Wegmans cost $6 — a pleasant surprise, as I thought it would be more expensive.

Some whey floated at the top of the yogurt, but only creamy goodness remained once I dumped it out.

Overall, the yogurt from Wegmans was my favorite.

This Greek yogurt was creamy and smooth with the slightest tang, making it a solid base for add-ins. I think its light consistency would also be ideal to use in recipes.

Notably, this yogurt had the most sugar (7 grams) of all four options I tried. My daughter also liked it the most, so I plan on packing it in a container with some toppings for her lunch.

I liked this yogurt so much that I'm permanently keeping it in my refrigerator. The next time we need Greek yogurt, I'll reach for this one from Wegmans.

This story was originally published on June 9, 2024, and most recently updated on March 24, 2026.

• My husband and I thought Sweden would bring us our dream life, but logistics made it hard to stay.
• We ended up settling down in a small city in Maine, and surprisingly, we love it even more here.
• The most special part of our new home is the tight-knit, extremely supportive community.

We spent New Year's Eve wearing paper crowns at a cozy New England restaurant that felt like a living room. The owner stopped by our corner booth while he worked the room; our friends, who run their own bakery, slipped away to say hi to some regulars.

My husband leaned over and said, "I love this."

The year before, we had been wall-to-wall at a roller-rink club in Brooklyn. Although we had a good time, sitting in that small-town restaurant — watching fireworks over the river — felt like exactly where we were meant to be.

There was no line, cover fee, or wild countdown. The night that often disappoints simply didn't.

This wasn't where we thought we'd be on the last night of 2025. In June, we'd moved from New York to Sweden, but just four months later, we found ourselves leaving for Maine.

We thought Sweden would be our new home, but circumstances made it temporary

Moving to Sweden in June, I was following a simple idea: When things feel scary in America, the best course of action is to leave.

For a while, it worked. Life felt gentler.

We fell into a mellow rhythm, going to the beach, visiting the many well-maintained conservation areas — including some that go directly through cow pastures — and eating affordable, healthy food from the grocery store.

Although Sweden delivered in real ways, staying required logistical planning and more time than we had. Leaving didn't feel like failure, but choosing something more permanent.

Back in the US, we weren't looking for another major metropolitan area, but a real community. That search led us to a small Maine city just south of Portland, where some of our friends were already living.

With a population of under 23,000, it sounded like a great fit. Friends helped us secure an apartment before we even arrived.

The community here immediately felt unlike anywhere else

We had a rich community in New York, but our friends were more spread out around the city. As soon as we got to Maine, though, we realized we could walk almost anywhere: from our apartment to a friend's place, the pharmacy, a grocery store, and the river.

As a result, our city really feels like home. Now, our friends' bakery isn't just a place to get delicious treats and coffee; it's where we run into — or make — friends in line, and chat about how their winter is going.

We've also seen the way Mainers support each other firsthand. When our moms came to visit, we took them for a coastal drive in our brand-new Volvo and slid straight into a ditch.

We were inches from doing damage and bracing for a tow when a woman and her kids came outside and jumped in to help push us back onto the road.

Within minutes, we were free. They waved while we drove off as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Our community shows up for people in larger-scale ways, too. When a major fire hit the Old Port this winter, destroying boats and fishing equipment, the owner of a local seafood restaurant started selling T-shirts, with proceeds going to the fishermen affected.

More recently, amid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)'s enhanced presence in Maine, residents responded immediately. Businesses put up "No ICE" posters, a hotline was established to provide help and resources, and crowds gathered downtown to protest the occupation.

It reaffirmed what I already knew about Maine: When people here think their neighbors are at risk, they take action.

Maine is exactly what we needed

One night, before grabbing cocktails, a group of our friends went to a live storytelling event in a small church.

I was surrounded by new and familiar faces: A former theater kid in his 30s told a story about the state spelling bee. An 80-year-old talked about soapbox racing in Camden.

My own creative work is taking shape here, too. I'm querying a novel, having found a steadier practice and supportive writing scene.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to live abroad, but I'm even happier that I landed in a small US city where people live year-round and expect to see each other for decades.

Sitting in that booth on New Year's Eve, I understood why people here claim this place, and why I'm excited to do the same.

• At 35, I decided to leave Texas behind to live in Madrid. I didn't have much of a plan.
• After moving, my life changed. I felt inspired by the women I met abroad and started a business.
• Life hasn't been perfect, but I'm still glad I'm here a decade later.

At 35, I left my comfortable life in Texas and bought a one-way ticket to Madrid to teach English.

On paper, everything in Austin looked fine: I had a job at a tech startup, a condo, and a steady routine. My days were predictable, comfortable, and deeply unfulfilling. I felt like I was sleepwalking through them.

I'd studied in Spain and had attempted to move there three times during my 20s. By my mid-30s, I assumed I had missed my opportunity.

Despite being single and childfree, walking away from everything without a plan felt like recklessly blowing up my life.

However, I always had a nagging feeling that there was more to my story. So, I pushed past the voice in my head that said I was "too old" to start over and packed my bags.

Ten years later, I'm still abroad. This move reshaped my life in ways I couldn't have predicted. Breaking with society's norms and taking a chance on myself led me to build the life of freedom I truly wanted.

Here are three things I've learned since leaving the US for my new life in Spain with me, myself, and I.

Age isn't as limited as I'd been taught to believe — especially for women

In the US, we are repeatedly reminded of the typical "path of success": Get married, have children, climb the corporate ladder, buy the house — and do all of this before you get too old.

In my early 30s in Austin, I had a built-in social circle where everyone my age was coupled (or wanted to be), and many had children. As a woman who wasn't prioritizing marriage or motherhood, I felt strangely behind, despite not wanting the same things. I felt like an outlier.

That changed when I moved to Spain. Most women I met didn't follow conventional timelines, and I no longer felt subtle judgment about my life choices. I met countless women my age and older, without kids, and many of them were unattached.

No one ever asked me why I wasn't married. For the first time in my life, I felt like my life choices were normal.

I was also surprised by the number of women over 30 I met who had moved abroad. In Texas, I only knew of students and retirees making the leap, not people in the middle of their careers.

Most people my age were chasing stability, not a total life shake-up. Having no one who understood to turn to for support made me feel even more anxious about my decision.

However, I soon realized that moving in my 30s was actually an advantage. I had more financial stability, better self-awareness, and the wisdom to navigate challenges with perspective.

One of the biggest lessons from my past decade abroad is that there's no expiration date on reinvention. My 30s and 40s have been full of new beginnings, from moving abroad at 35 to starting a new career at 37 to building a thriving business at 40.

Rather than conforming to a path, I created one that fit.

Changing where you live can radically change your life

When you move somewhere new, you gain something very powerful: the ability to choose who you want to be. Distance from past identities, histories, and assumptions about who you are can be very freeing.

And that's the real gift of moving abroad, it's not just a change of scenery, it's a change of context. You can try, fail, pivot, and evolve without an audience.

Before I moved to Spain, my life in the US was characterized by serial job-hopping. I struggled to find my way in the corporate world, while everyone else seemed to move through it with ease.

I felt like something was wrong with me, and I constantly wondered why I couldn't just conform. In the US, work feels like it equals your worth, so what did not thriving say about me?

At 35, I knew teaching abroad wasn't my long-term plan, but I also didn't move across the ocean to chase the conventional path of success. For the first time, I felt free of societal expectations, family pressures, and cultural norms. That anonymity coupled with downtime was the catalyst for self-discovery.

I started asking myself questions that never fit within the conventional definition of success: What do I really want? What excites me? What kind of life do I want to create?

Outside the 9-to-5 grind, I found creativity and clarity. In Madrid, I started blogging, organizing events, and exploring ideas without knowing where they would lead.

Within a year and a half, they led me to start She Hit Refresh, a community and company that helps women over 30 move abroad so they can stop stressing over logistics and build a life that feels aligned with who they are internally.

If I had stayed in Texas, I'm not sure that this version of me would have surfaced. I used to think that I needed to become someone different to thrive in the US.

It turns out I didn't need to change who I was; I just needed to be in a place that allowed me to become myself.

Moving abroad isn't a cure-all

It would be easy to frame a move abroad as a fairy tale, but it isn't.

Navigating visa stress and bureaucracy (particularly in a foreign language) can feel impossible some days. Even easy tasks like grocery shopping or taking the bus can be hard at first and leave you with a stress headache.

I've suffered anxiety from navigating my first office job in Spanish, and it took me years longer than expected to build close friendships.

There were many times when I felt lonely, isolated, and financially uncertain. There were even moments when I doubted whether I had made the right decision. However, I've come to learn that all this is normal.

Life abroad will have its highs and lows, because life abroad is still life.

Overall, though, my day-to-day stress is significantly lower. I walk everywhere. Healthcare is affordable. Travel is accessible and affordable.

My social life is richer and full of friends whose stories are similar to mine. Most importantly, my life feels aligned with who I am.

Moving abroad did not magically solve any of my problems, but it did give me the psychological space to reimagine who I could become. By changing where I lived, I changed how I saw myself and what I believed I was capable of doing.

I took risks I wouldn't have taken back home, and over time, those choices compounded.

What started as a one-year Hail Mary became a new career, a business, and a life that fits me far better than the one I left behind.

• I tried a three-ingredient air-fryer recipe for pork chops, and was very impressed by the results.
• The air-fryer method significantly reduces post-cooking cleanup time, which I love.
• Ultimately, I was able to make perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy pork chops in just 15 minutes.

I love using my air fryer, and I haven't found many things it can't cook really well.

So, I was pretty optimistic when I tried making air-fryer pork chops for the first time — and the recipe I found from food blog Chewable Structures couldn't be easier.

After all, it doesn't require any marinade or time-intensive prep work.

The ingredients are simple and easy to customize.

For this recipe, I used thin-cut, bone-in pork chops. After patting them dry, all I needed to do was coat each one with a drizzle of olive oil and give it a little massage.

Next, I had to season the chops. The recipe suggests using the McCormick chipotle-and-roasted-garlic seasoning. However, you can easily create your own blend depending on what you like.

I made one with salt, pepper, roasted garlic, onion powder, and chipotle pepper. (This technically meant I used a little more than three ingredients, but I didn't mind at all.)

After preheating the air fryer, the chops are ready to start cooking.

The only other prep I had to do for the recipe was preheating my air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter what type of air fryer you have, though, just be sure to give each pork chop enough room in the basket. This will help them to cook evenly.

My air fryer has two baskets, so I cooked one pork chop in each basket for 10 minutes on one side and five minutes on the other.

My best tip is to choose thin pork chops.

Because the meat was sliced thin, my pork chops cooked up very quickly. This recipe works with thicker chops, but you'll need to increase the cooking time.

Whether you choose bone-in or boneless pork chops is up to you, but I find bone-in pork chops to be more flavorful.

The pork chops were ready in 15 minutes and tasted amazing.

Within about 15 minutes, my meat was cooked. And, as the recipe said, the pork chops retained their moisture thanks to the olive-oil coating.

This coating also helped the seasoning stick to the meat better, creating a nice crust on the chop.

This simple recipe took very little time and effort, and the result was absolutely delicious. Minimal dishes were required, and I loved not having to monitor the chops on the stovetop or preheat my oven, either.

I can't see myself making pork chops in anything but my air fryer after this, and I will definitely be making this quick, easy air-fryer recipe again.

This story was originally published on September 22, 2022, and most recently updated on March 16, 2026.

• I've lived in Florida for over 25 years and have explored some of the state's most peaceful islands.
• I love Cedar Key, a charming small town with lots of local businesses.
• North Captiva Island, which is only accessible by boat or plane, is also worth a visit.

When thinking about islands in Florida, places like Key West, Sanibel, or Fisher Island probably come to mind. However, after living in the Sunshine State for more than 25 years, I know there are so many more beautiful places to explore.

Beyond the famous names are lesser-known gems that offer natural beauty, charm, and a sense of escape. Whether you're craving a quiet beach day, a kayaking adventure, or a peaceful getaway without the crowds, these six islands deliver.

Santa Rosa Island feels like a secret paradise.

If you're looking for a beach that feels like a total escape, Santa Rosa Island might just be your new favorite spot.

Tucked along the Florida panhandle, this barrier island includes areas that are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a federally protected stretch of coastline.

I could spend days basking in the soft, sugar-white sand, emerald-green water, and peaceful vibes.

There's plenty to do on St. George Island.

In my opinion, St. George Island is the definition of a true beach escape.

Located on the Florida Panhandle and connected to the mainland by a long bridge, it offers 22 miles of uncrowded beaches, clear water, and an easygoing vibe that's hard to beat.

The island is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, stargazing (thanks to minimal light pollution), and state park, which is perfect for beachcombing, hiking, or just soaking up the sun.

Cedar Key has a charming small-town island vibe.

Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, visiting Cedar Key feels like stepping back in time — in the best way possible.

It's a quaint little island town known for its charm, fresh seafood, and slower pace of life. I also love that most spots are small businesses run by locals.

Instead of modern architecture, you'll find weathered wooden docks and colorful cottages, giving it an old-Florida feel. It's the kind of place where you kayak through calm waters by day and eat local clams on a breezy porch by night.

Duck Key is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

If you've driven the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys, you might've zoomed right past Duck Key without even realizing it. But in my opinion, it's totally worth a stop.

About halfway between Key Largo and Key West, this little island is low-key, peaceful, and packed with old-school Keys charm.

I recommend visiting Hawks Cay Resort, which has everything from lagoon-style pools to a dolphin experience right on site. Go kayaking or paddleboarding right from the shore, take a snorkeling tour, or enjoy a cocktail with a view.

Whether you're planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, the island caters to both, offering activities for everyone.

Gasparilla Island is a quiet seaside escape.

Located off Florida's Gulf Coast, Gasparilla Island is a gorgeous spot with historic seaside charm.

With powdery white-sand beaches, clear waters, and a tranquil vibe, the island is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

At the heart of the island is the charming town of Boca Grande, filled with pastel-colored cottages, golf carts cruising the streets, and a laid-back atmosphere.

On the island, you'll also find the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, which is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the state.

North Captiva Island is a true off-the-grid escape.

If you really want to unplug, North Captiva Island is the spot. It's only accessible by boat or small plane, and there are no cars on the island — just golf carts and barefoot beachgoers.

With very little commercial development here, you'll want to come prepared with snacks, water, and a good beach read. In return, you'll get miles of untouched beaches and a truly remote escape.

This story was originally published on August 28, 2025, and most recently updated on March 16, 2026.

• My friends and family thought I was making a mistake when I moved states for a new relationship.
• At first, I felt homesick, but my partner supported me in a way that validated my decision.
• Now, we're married with kids, and I'm so glad I took a risk on love.

When I was 21, I fell in love for the first time.

Tim and I met online before it was cool. An avid fisherman, sports fanatic, and gifted salesman, he wasn't my usual type — but he was charming, funny, awkward, and sweet. I fell for him, hook, line, and sinker.

There was only one problem. Tim lived in Minneapolis, and I lived in Chicago.

We made long-distance work for as long as we could. On the rare weekends I wasn't waitressing, I traveled to Minnesota for ice fishing and bar hopping. When Tim's schedule allowed, he visited me at my parents' house for family dinners and nights out with friends.

Our time together was fun and exciting, but after seven months of constant travel, we knew we had some decisions to make.

When Tim and I decided to take the next step, I moved to Minnesota

After a four-year collegiate stint in Michigan, I'd sworn to myself that I'd never leave Chicago again. Not only were my family and friends there, but it was comforting and familiar. It was home.

Tim understood my love for Chicago from the moment we met. He was early in his dream career as a salesman, and I hadn't yet decided what I wanted to do professionally. Even so, he reassured me that I would never have to move — that, instead, he would find a way to relocate for me.

The more reassuring he was, though, the more I began seriously considering moving to Minnesota. Logistically, it just made sense.

My family and friends were just as charmed by Tim as I was, but they were skeptical, too. They cautioned me against moving, reminding me that Tim and I hadn't known each other that long.

The more I thought about beginning a new chapter, though, the more right it felt. Whether or not Tim and I lasted, maybe an adventure was exactly what I needed to kick off the adult chapter of my life.

Despite their warnings, I began searching for a job in Minneapolis. When I found a new job and a new roommate in the same week, it felt like fate.

I struggled with homesickness at first, but Tim supported me

My life in Minnesota wasn't what I had imagined. Living away from home was difficult, and I was miserably homesick for weeks. I was also adjusting to life in my first apartment, along with a new, very demanding job.

I was thrilled to be closer to Tim, but the struggles I was experiencing overshadowed much of my joy. Despite these difficulties, Tim remained patient, sure of our relationship, even when my confidence wavered.

On Halloween, my family's favorite holiday, Tim dressed up as a giant piece of pizza to cheer me up. When the first snow fell that season, Tim was waiting in my new apartment with a Christmas tree in tow.

By the time Valentine's Day rolled around, bringing with it chocolate-covered strawberries and three dozen white roses (my favorite), most of my homesickness had faded.

I realized that Tim was my future, wherever we lived

After six months, I finally began to find my footing. My roommate and I developed a strong bond, and I began to branch out into new social circles.

I fell in love with Minnesota in the summertime. I even learned to fish! Turns out, Tim was an excellent teacher.

Tim was my constant, in good times and bad. As the months continued to pass, I began to realize that maybe, this wasn't just the beginning of a new chapter — maybe it was the beginning of forever.

One evening, eight months after I first arrived in Minnesota, Tim invited me out for a casual dinner. I accepted, thinking nothing of it, not even questioning the fact that he wanted us to explore an antique store 15 minutes before our reservation.

I was sifting through a pile of old postcards when I realized that Tim was nowhere to be seen — until I rounded the corner and there he was, on bended knee, a tiny box in his outstretched hand.

We were married that December in Chicago. We spent another year in Minnesota after that, before returning to my hometown for good, putting down roots a few miles from my childhood home.

Thirteen years and six children later, I'm forever grateful that I ignored well-meaning warnings from my friends and family. I may have risked it all on love, but in the end, it was worth it.

• I took a group tour of Japan with my kids, and Hakone turned out to be my favorite stop.
• The beautiful town had amazing hot springs, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum was incredible.
• If I return to Japan, I'd go to Hakone again and I'd love to visit other small towns in the country.

Visiting Japan has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I finally booked a trip after relentless pleas from my children — and reading about how the US dollar is strong against the Japanese yen.

To simplify planning, I booked a family tour through Intrepid Travel. Unsurprisingly, the tour went to Tokyo and Kyoto, popular tourist destinations that draw many visitors (including my family) to Japan.

However, the tour also brought us to some places I may not have found on my own, including the quaint, quirky mountain town of Hakone.

Visiting the town, which is southwest of central Tokyo and about a 90-minute railway ride away, turned out to be my favorite part of the trip.

We loved the town's famous hot springs

Hakone is full of onsens, or natural hot springs, heated by geothermal activity happening beneath Japan. During my visit, I got to experience several types of onsens — and I still dream of sitting in their soothing waters.

First, I tried a bucolic onsen overlooking the mountains, which were lush and green when I visited during the summer. Lounging in a naturally fed hot spring from the top of a mountain allowed me to slow down, relax, and appreciate the beauty of Japan outside of its big cities.

I also tried a traditional onsen, which was segregated by gender and required visitors to disrobe completely. As an American, I'm not used to bathing naked with strangers, but I didn't want to miss this quintessential Japanese experience.

Although I didn't stay long, it was eye-opening to see how this tradition, so different than my own, quickly helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin. This is something I would not have experienced if I had not gone to Hakone.

Finally, my kids and I tried a series of themed onsens at Yunessun, a hot-spring theme park, which was one of the quirkier experiences I have had while traveling.

There, I hopped into an onsen shaped like a ramen bowl, complete with blow-up toppings. My kids joked that we were experiencing what it felt like to be cooked on a stovetop.

I also got to try unique baths, including one filled with coffee and another containing wine. My skin felt smooth and soft when I left.

Our trip featured some unique activities, including a visit to a mind-blowing sculpture garden

Although my children don't always share my affinity for looking at paintings and sculptures, they agreed to accompany me to the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Beyond its gates, we found larger-than-life interactive sculptures unlike anything we've seen at traditional art museums.

As we walked through the museum's gardens, we hopped through rainbows, climbed to the top of a stained-glass tower, and walked underground to peek up at the sky from below.

My children even swung on colorfully knitted balls hanging from an elaborate net, seemingly suspended from the sky.

Near the exit of the gardens, I sat and soaked my feet in a hot-spring footbath while gazing out at the surrounding forest. I wish that every large attraction had something similar at the end.

Fortunately, there were many other unique and fun things for us to do in Hakone.

While there, I ate one of the town's famous black eggs, which had been transformed from their original white after boiling in a sulfur-rich hot spring. Legend has it that eating one of these adds seven years to your life — I devoured every morsel.

We also got a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Tozan Railway and rode on a pirate ship to get a fantastic view of Hakone's bright-red Torii Gate standing in a lake.

Hakone was a wonderful stop on our trip, and I'd happily return

During our time in Hakone, we stayed in a ryokan, a type of traditional Japanese inn, and were able to explore a lot of the relatively small town on foot.

Along the way, we wound through mountain roads dotted with small restaurants and shops, a welcome reprieve from the heat of the bigger cities we had visited earlier in our trip. We even took some time to hike along Hakone's lush forest paths.

Although it's easy to see the appeal of Japan's bigger cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, if I ever return to the country, I would spend more time in Hakone and seek out other small towns.

• My husband and I sold our house in the US and moved our four-person family to a suburb in Spain.
• We made some mistakes, like not translating important documents and canceling our US phone numbers.
• Errors aside, I'm thrilled to be building a life for my family in Spain.

When my husband and I decided to move our four-person family from the US to Spain, we had roughly two semesters of college Spanish between us and zero experience living abroad.

We didn't let that stop us, though. Beginning in March 2025, we researched obsessively, read books, made spreadsheets, and put together lists of pros and cons. The more research we did, the more confident we became that Spain was the correct place for our family.

Five months later, we packed up our lives and moved our 6- and 9-year-old sons from Northford, Connecticut, to Las Rozas de Madrid, a suburb northwest of the Spanish capital.

Despite our extensive preparation, lessons awaited us. After all, there's so much to consider while moving abroad (especially with kids), and slipups are unavoidable.

That said, here are five mistakes I wish I'd avoided when my family moved.

I wish I'd started building my community abroad before we left

Between selling our home in Connecticut, finding a place to live in Spain, and figuring out where our sons would enroll in school, I deprioritized my new social life.

I assumed we'd naturally meet people once we got here, and we eventually did. But those first few months were lonely.

We arrived in August, a month before my sons' school year started, and many locals were still away on summer trips. Once school started, it became easier to connect with other families. I also joined a few WhatsApp groups recommended to me by other expats.

I'm still very much in the early stages of building a network here. If I were doing the move over, I'd join related regional and professional groups, connect with families in our area, and start building relationships before I even left the US.

Having even one friend waiting for me in Spain would've made a huge difference.

My husband and I didn't ask the right questions about our sons' school curricula

My husband and I planned to start our boys in an international school to ease their transition into a new country and language, with the goal of eventually moving them into a local Spanish school once they were fluent.

We selected an international private school that follows an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with Spanish language support. It seemed like the perfect fit — until we realized we hadn't asked the right questions.

We failed to realize that our boys, who didn't arrive speaking Spanish, would be learning alongside native speakers rather than building introductory skills.

They're getting an incredible education in Spain, but it's not the foundational language curriculum we expected. We now supplement school with online Spanish tutoring twice a week to fill the gap.

To other parents moving their school-age kids abroad to Spain, I'd recommend asking specifically about language use and requesting sample lesson plans before enrolling to see what language support looks like in practice.

Translating important documents into the local language would've been extremely helpful

Four months after moving, I had to undergo emergency surgery. I felt completely unprepared as I relied on Google Translate and my husband's elementary Spanish language skills to communicate with staff.

We got through it, but "getting through it" isn't the same as feeling safe, understood, and informed.

The scariest moment in the ER was right before I went under anesthesia. I was crying because I couldn't understand what the professionals were saying, couldn't communicate my allergies or medical history, and didn't know what was about to happen.

Luckily, the staff took good care of me, but the experience was harder and more frightening than it needed to be.

Before I left the US, I should have saved a translated medical profile with my allergies, medications, and past surgeries on my phone.

I also should've researched how to access medical translation services, so that if something unexpected happens, I wouldn't have to figure it out in the middle of a crisis.

We didn't know that we couldn't rent a car without a special driving permit

Las Rozas de Madrid is well-connected, so my family doesn't own a car here. When we went to rent one for a holiday trip to Cádiz, we assumed we could do so using our US driver's licenses, but we were wrong.

Without an International Driving Permit, renting a car was off the table. We made the best of the situation, but we were restricted in what we could see and do in Cádiz.

I regret not getting an International Driving Permit before leaving the US. It's easy and costs $20.

Canceling our US numbers created a logistical nightmare

My husband and I both canceled our US phone numbers when we left the country, thinking we'd just use Spanish numbers instead. It was a big mistake.

Accessing our US banks and some key services required us to complete text verifications with our US numbers. So, we've gotten locked out of accounts, struggled with two-factor authentication, and spent hours on international calls trying to fix it.

Rather than canceling my number, I wish I'd ported it, which would've let me move it to an online service while keeping my number, to save us endless headaches.

Even with all the mistakes we've made, I'm glad my family made the move

Six months into our new life in Spain, one thing is certain: I'm so grateful for this journey.

Seeing my kids build new friendships, learn a new language, explore new places, try new foods, and gain confidence as their world expands has made every misstep worth it.

Now, we look back on them as part of our story.

• At the weekend reading retreat I attended, our intergenerational group bonded over more than books.
• We had thoughtful discussions, did a guided meditation, and went on a hike in the woods.
• I came home inspired by the other retreat members and our shared connection.

In my 30s, I joined a book club but soon dropped out. Between juggling work and family, the last thing I needed then was another deadline, even a read-for-fun one.

Flash forward decades: I'm in my 60s now, the kids have flown the nest, and I have more downtime and love all things outdoorsy.

So when a friend suggested All Booked, a luxe reading retreat for women in New York State's Catskill Mountains, I was excited to try book clubs again, especially this one-off weekend version.

When I signed up, I imagined lengthy chats surrounding the retreat's featured trending book: "Mother Mary Come to Me," a memoir by prize-winning author Arundhati Roy. We certainly had those.

But what made the literary getaway especially meaningful were the casual connections we shared as total strangers — eight women in our 20s to late 60s — about life, love, and living with intention.

The retreat's luxe cabin was the perfect place for book chats and a reset

Tucked among 12 wooded acres in Windham, New York, the weekend retreat's luxury log cabin was straight out of Airbnb central casting, complete with pine exposed beams, stone floors, and a dramatic great room with soaring vaulted ceilings and cozy reading nooks.

The first night, we met our host, Suzanne, a former New York City journalist who headed to the Catskills a few years ago and never left.

We introduced ourselves with a favorite book recommendation over an Indian-inspired dinner of delicata-squash salad and curry-marinated chicken, a nod to featured author Roy, who calls New Delhi home.

After changing into our PJs, we gathered on yoga mats in the cabin's loft for a guided meditation before padding off to our log beds.

Introductions continued the next morning over a breakfast of blueberry scones and homemade granola.

Among us were two 20-something bookstagrammers, each with her own daunting stack of extracurricular romantasy novels to speed-read.

Their tripods and ring lights triggered the multitasking question that seemed to trail many of us these days wherever we went: Should we turn an experience into shareable content or power down and just enjoy it, conceivably leaving likes, followers, and revenue (from somewhere) on the table?

Aside from planning to snap a few photos, I am Team Commune with Nature.

Our multigenerational group bonded over books, nature, and a lively debate

After a morning of quiet reading time, our group met at the Windham Path for an afternoon of forest bathing, which turned out to be a slow-motion hike led by Beth, our certified forest therapy guide.

Beth, who left a corporate job to embrace her calling as a forest therapist, invited us to wander off and "connect with a tree you are drawn to."

After appreciating the bark, treetops, and stillness, we reunited with a tea ceremony. Beth poured tiny cups of tea steeped from pine needles from an insulated kettle.

Before sipping the sour reddish liquid, we were instructed to pour some on the ground to give back and thank the forest for its sustenance.

During Saturday night's dinner, Suzanne moderated our discussion of "Mother Mary Comes to Me," about Roy's complicated relationship with her mother, Mary, which eventually led to this question for the group: Is it OK to go no-contact with your parents if they upset you?

The 20-somethings were Team No-Contact, while those of us in midlife and beyond disagreed because bad-parenting moments come with the territory, and well, family is family.

Our POV tracked with the memoir's theme: Roy remained stubbornly devoted to her mom despite their lifelong turbulent relationship.

The connection and community I found that weekend reminded me that life is full of possibilities

The next day, I came home intoxicated with pine-scented fresh air and nurtured by the experience.

Confession: In this chapter as an empty nester, I often feel nestless. It's almost like I'm back in my 20s, asking fundamental questions again, such as: What should I do now? Where should I live now that I don't have to be tied to a good school system?

However, spending the weekend with retreat members, including Suzanne and forest-bathing Beth, who've made bold midlife moves, reminded me that life is an open book, filled with exciting possibilities.

Meanwhile, I've been really noticing the trees during my daily walks, brushing up on my vlogging skills (inspired by the bookstagrammers' industriousness), and seeking out even more ways to meet new friends of all ages.

• Las Vegas is a popular destination in Nevada, but other areas in the state have a lot to offer.
• Spots like Lake Tahoe or the Ruby Mountains are beautiful. Virginia City is great for history buffs.
• If you do visit Vegas, go beyond The Strip and see Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam.

When I first moved to Nevada about seven years ago, I knew little about the state aside from the Las Vegas Strip.

Tens of millions of tourists visit Las Vegas each year, spending billions of dollars in the city's casinos, entertainment venues, and attractions.

Yet my move brought me to Reno, a seven-hour drive from the desert of Las Vegas. Although Reno still has its fair share of casinos, the city feels like a world apart.

In Reno, Vegas' palm trees are traded for pine trees, and the Sierra Nevada mountains are unlike anything found within a reasonable distance from the Sphere.

After moving to Reno, I was intrigued by the diversity of the state. I set a goal to travel around Nevada. Since then, I've visited otherworldly deserts, stunning mountain lakes, and historic mining towns.

Nevada has so much more to offer than just casinos, but most tourists flee to the slot machines without considering other options.

Las Vegas has its appeal, but if you're feeling adventurous, consider visiting these destinations instead.

First, Lake Tahoe makes for a perfect summer (or winter) getaway.

Nevada may be famous for its desert landscapes, but to me, Lake Tahoe is the crown jewel of the state.

The almost 200-square-mile lake marks the border between Nevada and California, with about a third of the lake's shoreline in Nevada.

Lake Tahoe offers year-round recreation. In summer, tourists head to the beaches to swim in crystal-clear water. The region also has hundreds of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking.

In winter, the lake is a true winter wonderland. Skiers and snowboarders flock to resorts and backcountry trails. If that's not your thing, you can snowshoe through Tahoe's forests or simply walk along a snowy beach with a hot chocolate in hand.

Both the California and Nevada sides of Lake Tahoe are spectacular, but I find the East Shore in Nevada to be more laid-back.

It's got places like Secret Cove and Chimney Beach that are only accessible by foot (or perhaps by kayak), making them quieter than other areas of the lake.

A trip to Virginia City should be on your list if you're a history buff.

Long before Nevada was known for casinos, the state was a hot spot for mining. The 19th century's gold and silver rush led to rapid growth throughout the American West, including in Nevada.

Virginia City is one of the country's most well-preserved mining towns. It's located just 35 minutes from downtown Reno.

The town rose to fame following the discovery of silver ore in 1859. Soon enough, 25,000 residents called the area home, and the town boomed with saloons, theaters, mansions, and mines.

Today, a visit to Nevada City transports you to the Wild West. You can head underground to walk through old mine shafts, tour the (supposedly) haunted Mackay Mansion, or grab a drink in the notorious Bucket of Blood Saloon.

The town has its fair share of cheesy tourist attractions, but it's all part of the fun.

The Ruby Mountains offer scenery akin to the Swiss Alps.

I'm not sure what I expected to see when I took my first road trip to northeastern Nevada, but it certainly wasn't scenery akin to Switzerland.

Nevada's Ruby Mountains are often nicknamed "The Swiss Alps of Nevada." The massive mountain range features peaks towering over 11,000 feet, and the region offers a surprising amount of greenery.

Springtime brings blooming wildflowers and serene waterfalls, and after the snow melts, the region becomes a hiking paradise.

Backpackers can challenge themselves to the Ruby Crest Trail, which traverses more than 40 miles through isolated ridgelines and strikingly blue alpine lakes.

Aside from hiking, the region offers tranquil fishing opportunities in the Ruby Marsh wetlands. Throughout the winter, the mountains are popular among heli-skiers.

If that all sounds too active, it's easy to explore the Ruby Mountains without breaking a sweat. The 12-mile-long Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway travels through the largest valley in the range, offering unbeatable scenery around every curve.

However, if you do insist on going to Las Vegas, try seeing more than just the inside of a casino.

If you're set on visiting Las Vegas, don't limit yourself to just the Las Vegas Strip.

Red Rock Canyon is just about a 30-minute drive away from the flashy lights of Las Vegas Boulevard. Here you'll find hiking trails, cycling routes, and a 13-mile scenic drive through the canyon.

Places like Mount Charleston and the Hoover Dam are also easy ways to escape the casinos and explore Nevada's natural and engineering marvels.

After living in Nevada for almost a decade, I've come to appreciate each and every corner of the state. Las Vegas seems to get all the attention — and for good reason. There are few places in the country with such a non-stop, bustling energy.

If you're willing to dig just a little deeper, though, I think the real treasures of Nevada lie far from the slot machines and table games.