On being ready for 2020
On December 31, 2020, I will be healthier than I am now, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and financially. That’s it. That’s my New Year’s resolution. Happy 2020!
— What I'm Reading —
Stuff I like on and off the Internet #1
While I may be resolving to write more, I am also trying to read more interesting stuff both on the Internet and off. So. Here we are. I dislike intensely my previous “What I’m reading” title for the bits and bobs and links that I share on a totally irregular basis. I am searching for… Read More Stuff I like on and off the Internet #1
On new beginnings, but not quite the new year (yet)
A dear friend told me today that she wants more routine in her life, and in particular, a calming evening ritual of tea and a book before bed. There’s something magic about curling up with hot tea and an engrossing story at the end of a long and frustrating day. Or a long and frustrating… Read More On new beginnings, but not quite the new year (yet)
DIY Apple Pie Bourbon
You know what makes a great gift? Bourbon. You know what makes an even better gift? Bourbon that you’ve lovingly infused over several months to taste like a classic American dessert, apple pie. DIY Apple Pie Bourbon makes an amazing gift to friends and contacts. Yes, of course I use American bourbon for this! … Read More DIY Apple Pie Bourbon
— Kazakhstan, Travel —
Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake (with kids!)
All I wanted from the trip to Kazakhstan with my kids was good company, good food, and a chance to get out into nature. Our first trip out of Almaty, to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake more than delivered on all three. Charyn Canyon Charyn Canyon itself is starkly beautiful in a… Read More Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake (with kids!)
— Kazakhstan —
8 Day Kazakhstan Itinerary with Kids
I took the kids to visit friends for eight days in Kazakhstan. Yes, as in, the country with the 9th largest landmass in the world, in Central Asia. A friend living in Almaty invited me and my monster gang to visit her and her own monster gang, and I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.… Read More 8 Day Kazakhstan Itinerary with Kids
DIY Chocolate Liqueur (Creme de Cacao)
I thought it’d be relatively easy to DIY chocolate liqueur. Everything else I’ve tried has been simple, so chocolate should be too. WRONG. There are a TON of recipes on the Internet for homemade creme de cacao, some of which were obviously not tested to make sure that they can be replicated. UGH. It’s true that… Read More DIY Chocolate Liqueur (Creme de Cacao)
— Equatorial Guinea, Travel —
Parque Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial (Equatorial Guinea National Park)
I can’t believe we made it six months in Malabo without visiting the Equatoguinean National Park. It’s more like a Central Park or the National Mall than what we would think of as a wildlife preserve, and it’s full of beautiful spots and places for kids to play. Now, we’re regular visitors. It’s a great… Read More Parque Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial (Equatorial Guinea National Park)
Homemade coffee liqueur (Kahlua, Tia Maria)
Homemade coffee liqueur was one of the first liqueurs I experimented with when I realized that Malabo would be an excellent opportunity to get really really good at my hobbies (one of which is DIY everything). A copycat Kahlua looked easy, and I thought it’d be easy to make in bulk for Christmas presents. I… Read More Homemade coffee liqueur (Kahlua, Tia Maria)
— Equatorial Guinea, Travel —
Island Life and Relaxation
Sometimes you just need a little bit of peace and quiet. We took advantage of a recent local holiday to hit the beach and the pool. I’ve written about the Sofitel resort at Sipopo before, and it’s weirdly post-Colonial feel. That hasn’t changed at all. Even so. The kids and I had a great… Read More Island Life and Relaxation