Blogroll
Our Honest Review of the Celebrity Ascent
We've sailed on the Celebrity Cruises Ascent three times (so far) and here is our honest review of the ship. Note that these were NOT influencer familiarization cruises. We paid for all three cruises ourselves. The Ascent is Celebrity Cruises’ newest addition to its...
Discover the Mediterranean with Friends of Postcard Jar
NOTE: We’ve reserved a limited number of cabins at discounted group rates, and they’re going fast! Secure your spot today HERE with a refundable deposit. Don’t wait—these exclusive prices won’t last long! Are you ready to set sail on the adventure of a lifetime,...
Elevator Etiquette: Essential Tips for Cruises, Hotels, and Travel Destinations
Elevators are the unsung heroes of travel. On a cruise ship, they haul passengers from the buffet to the theater; in a hotel, they whisk guests to the lobby or that rooftop pool; at tourist spots, they lift sightseers to views worth the ticket price. But these tiny...
Our Unforgettable Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to the Western Caribbean
Hey there, travel lovers! We're back home and excited to share more about our Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to the Western Caribbean. We set sail in January 2025 aboard the stunning Celebrity Reflection. This six-night adventure (our third Friends Cruise) was extra...
Tips for traveling after knee replacement
If you’ve had a total knee replacement and are wondering if travel can still be part of your life, the good news is that it absolutely can! Since my right knee replacement at the end of July 2024, I’ve found plenty of ways to explore the world while staying (mostly)...
What to pack for a Caribbean cruise
Wondering what to pack for a Caribbean cruise? If you’re reading this, you’re probably counting down the days until your vacation. Trust us, we know the feeling – that mix of excitement, anticipation, and mild panic about what to pack. Don’t worry! We’ve got you...
Our honest Nieuw Statendam review
This honest review of our Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise will help you decide if this ship and itinerary are right for you. In this post, we (Ann and Steve Teget) give you our honest feedback about the ship, our cabin, the...
Explore the ABC Islands with friends of Postcard Jar
NOTE: This group cruise is already 80% sold out. Secure your spot today with a $500 refundable deposit. Are you ready to embark on a tropical paradise adventure in the dead of winter? We're thrilled to announce our next Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to the breathtaking...
Review of our Chrysler Pacifica after 100K miles
(UPDATED SEPT. 2023) Because more than four years have gone by since we bought it, it's time to give you an update and review of our 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. After all, we've had plenty of time (and nearly 110,000 miles) to experience all it has to offer. Review of...
Postcard Jar Friends Group Cruise on Celebrity Reflection (Part 1)
Our first Postcard Jar Friends Group Cruise on the Celebrity Reflection was such a blast! Here are a few highlights from our inaugural group cruise to the Eastern Caribbean with Celebrity Cruises. Arriving in Fort Lauderdale All 58 sailors in our group arrived in Fort...
Is The Retreat worth it on Celebrity Cruises?
Is Celebrity Cruises' "The Retreat" worth it? We see this question asked often online and hear it when we're aboard Celebrity Cruises ships. The Retreat is ship-within-a-ship concept offering specialized, upgraded amenities and services for those who book suites. All...
Fourth of July in Pawhuska: Everything you need to know
The Fourth of July in Pawhuska provides a small-town Independence Day experience with a big dose of charm. Located in northeast Oklahoma in the heart of Osage County, Pawhuska (pop. 3700) offers a fantastic blend of activities, food, music, and fireworks for creating...
What I packed vs. what I wore on our Alaskan cruise
Fresh home from majestic Alaska, I'm sharing what I packed vs. what I wore on our back-to-back Alaskan cruise. We embarked in Seattle and sailed through the inside passage north to Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway and then headed south to Victoria before disembarking in...
An Alaskan adventure: Our second Postcard Jar Friends Cruise
Our second Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to Alaska featured snow-capped mountains, serene glacier bays, and so many new friendships. It was an unforgettable week-long adventure on the Celebrity Cruises Edge filled with breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities to...
Escape winter on the Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to the Western Caribbean
Dreaming of beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant island cultures? Or do you simply want a break from the bleak mid-winter next January? Look no further! We're thrilled to announce our next Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to the captivating Western Caribbean in...
What to pack for an Alaskan cruise
Need a packing list for an Alaskan cruise? Lucky you! Alaska is definitely a beautiful bucket-list destination where you’ll make memories to last a lifetime. In order to enjoy your vacation to the fullest from embarkation day on, you’ll want to be prepared. It’s never...
Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips for smooth sailing
It's your Celebrity Cruises embarkation day, and you likely want tips for smooth sailing as you board the ship. After all, you've dreamed of this vacation for a long time and want to make the most of it. We've cruised with Celebrity more than 30 times and are happy to...
70+ things to do in Pawhuska after you’ve eaten at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
Searching for things to do in Pawhuska, Oklahoma? Look no further. You've come to the right place. We're Steve and Ann Teget. In 2017, we stopped in Pawhuska for lunch at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile. We were intrigued by this unique place and a year later, we bought...
10 foods to lose weight with Noom
Since losing more than 120 pounds with Noom, I've been asked over and over, "What foods do you eat to lose all that weight?" Well, you might be surprised at some of my answers. Here are 10 foods that I eat regularly that have helped me lose weight and keep it off. 1....
Is group travel right for me?
Is group travel for me? That’s a question we hear a lot of people asking themselves (and us). For a great many, the answer is a definite YES! Read on to see if group travel is a good way for you to see the world. Postcard Jar is a reader-supported blog. If you make a...
Come with us on a Costa Rican vacation without the hassle
Life is too short to let travel planning decisions keep you from exploring the world with amazing people. If you’re ready for a hassle-free trip, we’d love to have you join us on a Costa Rican vacation in May 2025. Postcard Jar is a reader-supported blog and we have...
Welcome to Postcard Jar (and 2024)
Welcome to Postcard Jar and happy new year! Whether you've been reading our blog for years, follow us on social media, or are brand new, we're glad you're here. Sharing our best tips for living and traveling well and helping you to take stress-free vacations brings us...
Healthy holiday tips we learned from Noom
We're sharing healthy holiday tips we learned from Noom to help you stay on track with your wellness goals this holiday season. My husband, Steve, and I downloaded the Noom weight loos app in March 2019 and lost a combined 200 pounds. While end-of-year parties, family...
Things to do in Wichita on a wellness weekend
There are lots of things to do on a wellness weekend in Wichita, Kan.! Whether you need to relax and de-stress, or you're looking for ways to get active and healthy, Wichita has something for you. NOTE: Our visit to Wichita was hosted by Visit Wichita and this blog...
The perfect holiday getaway in Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Our Airbnb in Pawhuska called Postcard Place is decorated for Christmas, and we're excited to welcome guests again this holiday season. Click HERE to book on Airbnb today! With great shopping at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile and other local retail shops,...
Ready to embark on our longest trip yet
We're excited to announce that we're (cautiously) looking forward to our longest trip yet. Starting in November (acknowledging world events may change our plans) we're traveling from Dubai to Australia and New Zealand aboard the Celebrity Edge cruise ship. We’ll be...
Things to do in Lindsborg, Kansas: A guide to the Swedish Capital of the USA
Things to do in Lindsborg, Kan., abound in this Swedish Capital of the USA. Whether you’re a lover of the arts, interested in Swedish culture, or need a relaxing getaway with welcoming locals, Lindsborg is an ideal Midwest destination. We are an active, empty-nest...
Things to do in Abilene, Kansas, America’s best small town
With a variety of fascinating things to do in Abilene, Kansas., you’ll quickly see why TravelAwaits called it the "Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S." in 2023 and the Midwest Travel Network awarded it "Destination of the Year" in 2022. Note: Our visit to Abilene...
How I ended up on the cover and website of Woman’s World Magazine
So this happened: I ended up on the cover of Woman's World Magazine in October 2022 and then again on the Woman's World website in 2023. That's tiny little me in the top left in the red shirt. You might wonder how this all happened. I'll admit, sometimes I do, too....
Traditional anniversary gift ideas for couples who love to travel
Looking for traditional anniversary gift ideas for a couple who likes to travel? We've got you covered. For the first 12 years of marital bliss, anyway. Steve and I were married Aug. 27, 2011, after one year of dating and a two-month engagement. Celebrating our...
Wedding anniversary photo idea
Here's a wedding anniversary photo idea to celebrate your marriage journey. Every year since we've been married, we've taken a picture of ourselves holding the photo we took the previous year. We wind up with kind of a tunnel where we can look back at the course of...
Taquería Pato Azul: Cocktails and tasty tacos in La Crosse
Taquería Pato Azul is a new cocktail bar and authentic Mexican restaurant in La Crosse, Wis. Located in the heart of downtown, Pato Azul is quickly becoming a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The vibrant restaurant is owned by Erik Kleven and Jennifer Lester...
Brewhalla Hotel in Fargo: The ultimate destination for beercations
Brewhalla in Fargo opened in summer 2023 and it's the perfect crash pad for craft beer lovers. In this post, we're sharing what you can expect when you stay at the Brewhalla Hotel, which is connected to Drekker Brewing Co. in Fargo, North Dakota. NOTE: Our stay at the...
Tips for your visit to The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
Planning a visit to The Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, Okla.? We have a home in Pawhuska and have put together this list of tips to help you make the most of your visit. As local residents as well as Airbnb vacation rental owners, we’ve had lots of questions...
Honest review of Danger Charters Sunset Sail in Key West
The experience we enjoyed for this review of the Danger Charters Wind & Wine Sunset Cruise was complimentary. As always, the opinions expressed are our own. Our review of Danger Charters' Wind & Wine Sunset Sail As the sun slipped below the horizon in...
50+ things to do on sea days on your next cruise vacation
Worried there won't be things to do on sea days when you cruise? Well, stop it. Stop it right now. We've taken 18 cruises so far, most with Celebrity Cruises. Not only have we never been bored, there's never been enough time to do everything we've wanted. You can see...
Nieuw Statendam restaurants and which ones we liked most
Here's everything you need to know about restaurants on the Nieuw Statendam. We cruised on Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam during Spring Break 2023 on a hosted press trip. During our cruise, we ate at four of the five speciality restaurants plus Club Orange. We...
Things to do on a wellness vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Ala.
Things to do on a wellness vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Ala., are plentiful. Here’s a guide to help you plan a wellness vacation, girls trip, or couples getaway on Alabama's beaches where you can truly relax and unwind. Note: Our trip to Gulf Shores and...
Postcard Jar Friends Group Cruise on Celebrity Reflection recap (Part 2)
Fifty-eight sailors joined us this year for our inaugural Postcard Jar Friends Group Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean on the Celebrity Reflection. Will you join us next year? This post is Part 2 of our Postcard Jar Friends Cruise recap. If you missed Part 1, CLICK...
What it means to go red for women
Each year, many of us "Go Red for Women" in an effort to bring more awareness to heart disease and stroke. It's with good cause. Heart disease is the No.1 killer of women—killing more than all forms of cancer combined. In fact, one in three women will die of heart...
12 low-calorie soup recipes eBook that helped us lose weight
Low-calorie soup recipes have not been the easiest to find. As we embarked on our healthy living journey with Noom back in 2019, we searched Pinterest, recipe sites, and cookbooks for low-calorie and nutritious soup recipes, only to be disappointed. Either they were...
How to make this festive (and healthy) Christmas charcuterie board
Making a festive (and healthy) Christmas charcuterie board is actually not that difficult. Today, I'm sharing my tips for creating a beautiful board, along with a list of groceries you'll need. I love making healthy Christmas charcuterie boards for parties and...
FREE delivery driver thank you printable
Need a FREE delivery delivery driver thank you printable? I don't know about all of you, but we are so grateful for the incredibly hard working women and men who deliver packages to our door. Our UPS guy, Eric is THE BEST! He works long hours to get packages to...
10 things to do in Clear Lake, Iowa, in the off season
As we've traveled, we’ve discovered quite a few tips and tricks along the way. One of them is (if you have the flexibility) to travel to popular places in the off season. This fall, at the end of the busy tourist season, we had a chance to visit Clear Lake, Iowa, on a...
Memorial Stadium tours at Nebraska in Lincoln
Memorial Stadium tours at Nebraska are available to the public free of charge. Here's what to expect when you tour Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. To book a free experience, you just need to register online to reserve a spot. Our first official tour of Nebraska's...
Things to do in Door County, Wisconsin
Our daughter, Meghan, and I first had the idea to take a father-daughter trip last spring. Because I came into Ann and Meghan's lives when Meghan was in high school, she and I have never really had time to do something just the two of us. After all, Ann and I were...
A note to our friends and readers about Ann’s surgery
UPDATE July 23, 6:30 p.m. - After a great first night (photo below), Ann had a rough day two, which is pretty normal. Her medical team said day two is usually the worst and it will get better from here on out. There is some inflammation around her heart that is making...
12 tips for The Pioneer Woman lodge tours
The Pioneer Woman lodge tours are a must-do when you visit Pawhuska, Okla. Ree Drummond and her husband, Ladd, generously open up their Oklahoma lodge on Drummond Ranch to visitors. You can drive 18 miles into the country to tour the lodge, which serves as a guest...
Our honest Celebrity Reflection review
This honest review of our Celebrity Reflection Eastern Caribbean cruise will help you decide if this ship and itinerary is right for you. In this post, we cover our cabin, the ship, itinerary, favorites, and what we think could have made our experience even better....
Downton Abbey The Exhibition photo gallery
Downton Abbey The Exhibition took us inside the Crawley family estate and down the steps to the servants quarters. In early 2019, we were invited to visit Downton Abbey The Exhibition in Rosemary Square in West Palm Beach, Fla. Huge Downton Abbey fans, we took our...
5 tips for eating healthy while traveling
Eating healthy while traveling isn't as difficult as you might think. With a little pre-planning, you can not only eat healthier while you're on vacation, but also feel better and have more energy to enjoy your time away. Here are five tips we've used to eat healthy...
Things to do in wonderful Wahpeton, North Dakota
Admittedly, we didn’t expect we’d find many things to do in Wahpeton, North Dakota. It’s a small town in the southeast part of the state with a population of 8,000. It is perhaps best known as home to the World’s Largest (fiber glass) Catfish called “Wahpper.” But...
Where we’re traveling this week (hint: it’s warm there)
Updated April 8, 2022 We are back in Florida this week to spend some time in the Keys and then cruise the Eastern Caribbean on the Celebrity Reflection. Ann may be having one or more surgeries in the next few months, so we’re taking advantage of this time between...
The most romantic travel experiences for couples
Need some ideas for romantic travel experiences and destinations? Whether you're planning a couples weekend getaway or searching for a place to celebrate an anniversary, this post is sure to ignite your imagination and the romance. Here are a few of the most romantic...
Why you need to plan for vacation in the Midwest
Did you know that people who plan for vacation are happier? In general those who plan for vacation are happier with everything from their personal relationships to their work/life balance, health, well-being and their job. It’s true. [gallery columns="2" size="large"...
Things to do in Jamestown, North Dakota
There are so many interactive things to do in Jamestown, North Dakota, that we didn’t want to leave. Trust us when we say that you’ll want to discover Jamestown on your next summer vacation. Located between Fargo and Bismarck on Interstate 94, Jamestown has a perfect...
Things we consider before we travel during the pandemic
To travel or not to travel during the pandemic? That is the question we’ve been asking ourselves a lot the past few weeks. And let’s face it - deciding whether or not to travel during this pandemic can be difficult. Recently, we confronted the conundrum of whether to...
What I eat in a day on Noom
What do you actually eat on Noom? This is the question I get asked most about my healthy living journey and 130-pound weight loss on Noom. When people see my weight loss transformation, most are curious about what I eat and what I don’t eat. In this blog post I’ll...
Eight cool things to do in Grand Forks, North Dakota
With so many legendary things to do in Grand Forks, North Dakota, it might just be the coolest city you've never visited. When you roll into town, you're immediately greeted by a winky smile on the city's water tower - and the cool factor doesn't stop there. Grand...
Nine tips to avoid gaining weight on a cruise
Want to know how to avoid gaining weight on a cruise? Truth be told, we’ve been on 13 cruises and gained weight on nine of them. It wasn’t until we took the lessons we’d learned from the Noom app and the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, that we figured out a way to...
In memory of my friend, Amy Schmitt
Two years ago today, I lost one of my best friends. I didn't write about then. It was too difficult. My friend, Amy Schmitt, fought breast cancer for several years before leaving this world on June 30, 2019. The photo at the top of this post is the last one we took...
Is cruising safe and will we cruise again?
Is cruising safe and will you get on a cruise ship again? These are two questions we’ve been asked a lot lately, as we've begun our careful transition back into travel. As you may know, we’re big fans of cruising. We had just disembarked from our 13th cruise in...
20+ best things to do outdoors in Pawhuska, Oklahoma
We've compiled this list of the 20 best things to do outdoors in Pawhuska, Okla. Whether you're in town to visit the Pioneer Woman's Mercantile, learn about the Osage Nation, or get a glimpse of a Hollywood movie in production, there's plenty to do outside. So if...
Legends Outlets: One stop for a complete summer wardrobe
Don't you wish buying a complete seasonal wardrobe could be made easier? Well, it can be at Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas. We recently partnered with Legends Outlets to show you how to build your spring/summer capsule wardrobe while only having to park your...
11 reasons you must try Chaz on the Plaza in Kansas City
Forget what you think you know about hotel restaurants, because Chaz on the Plaza is different. While many hotels offer on-site dining that is just fine, Chaz on the Plaza in Kansas City's Raphael Hotel offers a true fine dining experience. With its upscale ambiance,...
9 ways The Raphael Hotel in Kansas City helps you relax and unwind
When you're ready to relax and unwind, the historic Raphael Hotel in Kansas City is the ideal place for a getaway. A sophisticated boutique hotel, it's just steps away from Kansas City's premier retail center, Country Club Plaza. Whether you're planning a couple's...
Escape to Italy with us this week
Ciao! Are you ready to escape to Italy with us (virtually, of course)? It's Italy Week at Postcard Jar! We hope you'll join us on our social media channels as we all learn more about what makes Italy such a special travel destination. While this may not be the right...
The best low-calorie egg roll in a bowl recipe
I think we finally nailed the best low-calorie egg roll in a bowl recipe. And better yet, we actually wrote it down! Egg roll in a bowl is a high protein, low-carb dish that is very satisfying and can be on the table in 15-20 minutes. With just 140-180 calories per...
How to have a romantic Valentine’s Day at home with the help of Hy-Vee
Do you need ideas for a romantic Valentine's Day at home this year? Normally, we look forward to cooking Valentine's dinner at home together. But like most of you, we've done that about 857 times since the start of the pandemic. So this year, we partnered with our...
6 of the best crostini recipes you’ll ever make
We're sharing six of the best crostini recipes we've ever made and you can easily make them, too! Homemade crostini are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for gatherings. But portions can also easily be sized down for just one or two people, like us. Made with...
8 delicious and healthy ways to eat potatoes
You may not think there are healthy ways to eat potatoes, and we know why. We're used to eating them as high-fat and high-calorie french fries or chips. If we don't fry them, we often load them up with butter, cheese, and bacon. But none of these are the potato's...
Why you should hike the Prairie Earth Trail near Pawhuska, Oklahoma
The Prairie Earth Trail system was a pleasant surprise that we found less than 20 miles from our home in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The day after Christmas we found ourselves with a combination of free time and gorgeous weather. It was the kind of day that was so beautiful...
10 tips for weight loss success with Noom
Ready to achieve weight loss success with Noom? We are a husband and wife who have lost a combined 200+ pounds with the help of the Noom weight loss app. In this post, we're sharing our tips to help you reach your goals. Note: This post contains affiliate links. As...
Pandemic date night: How to bring the romance in your minivan
It turns out that it is possible to have a romantic, low-risk pandemic date night and still follow CDC's guidelines. All it takes is a little planning and creativity -- and I'm lucky that my wife, Ann, has strength in both those areas. Note: This post contains...
We’re headed back to Rochester, Minn., to the Mayo Clinic
We are headed back to Rochester, Minn., today. I will be having a few scans and follow up visits at the Mayo Clinic. As you may recall, I had surgery in September to remove and replace one of my pacemaker/ICD leads. The surgery went really well and this week I'll just...
Best chocolate pie recipe that you don’t have to bake
The best chocolate pie recipe we've ever found is the one Ann's step-mom shared with her years ago. It is said to have been the one used by Bishop's Buffet in Lincoln, Neb. It is rich and creamy and super easy to make. Even those like me who do not follow recipes well...
You need to try this quick and easy make-ahead frozen salad recipe
Mardu's make-ahead frozen salad recipe is a Thanksgiving tradition in Steve's family. It has been served at most holiday gatherings as long as Steve can remember. This week, Steve's mom, Gayle Teget, showed us how to make this family favorite during a Facebook live...
The best deviled eggs recipe from Ann’s mom, Carol
Ann's mom, Carol, is the best deviled egg maker around. Deviled eggs are her speciality and whenever she brings them to a holiday gathering, they go quickly. Like they may not make it until the time dinner is served. Typically, she makes at least three dozen eggs for...
Nine great places to eat in Wichita as suggested by locals
We recently found several great places to eat in Wichita though we didn’t dine in at even one restaurant. Yes, it is possible, and we found a way to do it during the pandemic of 2020. In part because of my suppressed immune system and health issues, it had been nearly...
Outdoor activities in Wichita that will help you get in all your steps
Outdoor (and socially-distanced) activities in Wichita, Kan., were just what we were hoping to find when we ventured out to a new place for the first time in months. We've been working on losing weight and developing more healthy habits over the past few years. Now we...
Our little hike on the prairie at Spring Creek
Yesterday was one of those awesome fall days in Nebraska that is just right for a little hike on the prairie. The sun was shining, it was 80 degrees, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It would have been a perfect day for college football here. Sadly, our beloved...
Low-calorie foods to grill this summer
Looking for low-calorie foods to grill this summer? We've rounded up a few of our favorite low-calorie foods to grill in this post. French baguettes for bruschetta Hands down, our favorite summer appetizer is bruschetta. Who doesn't love these crunchy, heavenly bites...
Easy recipe for making roti flatbread
I started making roti flatbread early in the pandemic and home isolation when our craving for Indian food reached a fever pitch. We missed the warm, soft flatbread we'd had at Indian restaurants so much that one day in desperation I Googled how to prepare it. I found...
Is traveling worth the risk? How we’re deciding when and how to travel safely
Have you struggled with making decisions about whether travel is worth the risk to you and others? And if you do travel when and how do you travel safely in the midst of a global health crisis? We sure have thought a lot about these issues. Before the worldwide...
Refinishing a wood deck with Rustoleum RockSolid Deck Resurfacer
It took some time and a lot of hard work, but with the help of our friend, Gio, we finally finished our 70-foot deck renovation with Rustoleum RockSolid Deck Resurfacer! If you’re a regular follower of our Instagram and Facebook stories (thank you), you know that we...
Easy 4-ingredient artisan bread that will impress
Y'all, fancy artisan bread that will impress guests is easy to make. I'd never dreamed of baking a loaf of bread like this until I saw a beautiful loaf baked by our friend Bill Clevlen of Bill on the Road. I immediately messaged him and asked for the recipe. He...
How we plan to drive six hours without stopping at a restroom
For the first time in almost three months, we're going to drive six hours to our home in Oklahoma and we're not planning to stop at a public restroom. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we've been self isolating in Nebraska. Ann has an underlying heart...
Best Mother’s Day gifts you can buy online
Need some last minute shopping ideas for the best Mother's Day gifts? We've compiled a list of 11gift ideas we've found through our travels that are sure to please the mom (or any woman, really) on your list. And, you can purchase all these gifts online so you...
What we’ve lost (and gained) on our healthy living journey with Noom
One year ago this week, we decided it was time to start a healthy living journey. We’d been living, um, large, and we realized that it was time to make a change for our overall health. After an ad for Noom scrolled across Ann’s Facebook feed, we did a little research...
Baking the DoubleTree hotel’s Signature Cookie recipe
We were thrilled that DoubleTree Hotels by Hilton recently shared its signature cookie recipe. During the Coronavirus pandemic, we haven't been traveling, and have missed these cookies filled with chewy, chocolaty goodness. DoubleTree guests receive the freshly baked...
How to make handmade Tuscan pasta and vegetarian sauce
Learning to make handmade Tuscan pasta isn't that difficult, especially when taught by Tuscans who make it all the time. While isolated in our home in Nebraska this week because of the coronavirus outbreak, we learned (via the internet) how to make handmade Tuscan...
Prayers for healthcare workers, including our daughter, the nurse
Healthcare workers need our prayers. I woke up before my alarm at 5:20 a.m. this morning. Maybe it was a mother’s intuition. Maybe it was an anxious heart. Two states away in Oklahoma, our daughter Meghan should have been waking up in her one-bedroom apartment and...
Low-calorie mushroom wild rice soup recipe from a Noom nerd
This mushroom wild rice soup is one of my new favorites and is great for my Noom weight loss plan. If you're new here, my husband and I have lost about 145 pounds together (and 80 of those were mine) using the Noom weight loss app. One of the best strategies that has...
A word about “those people”
We are staying home. We've been here for almost a week now because Ann is one of "those people." You know the ones. Those people with an underlying health issue. Those people with a suppressed immune system. One of those people who could become seriously ill, need...
Terrific ways to experience travel without leaving home
We love exploring the world, but with social distancing due to the coronavirus right now, we had to find a way to travel without leaving home. Here are more than a dozen ideas to curb your wanderlust when you're confined to your own house. Note: This post contains...
What’s new at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile this spring
Spring is in the air, and no place is that more true than The Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, Okla. Ree Drummond and her team have embraced the season and have been busy at work to keep things fresh. Here’s a look at what’s new at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile...
Thoughts from a travel blogging couple on Coronavirus and travel
Updated: March 14, 2020 Note: Stay up to date with current Coronavirus travel information from reliable sources and recognized institutions including the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. If you are looking for medical advice, please...
An over-the-top Valentine’s weekend at The Pioneer Woman Boarding House
We had planned to spend Valentine's Day the way we have most years; cooking a nice meal together at home and splurging on one of our "really good" bottles of wine. We tabled those plans when The Pioneer Woman invited us to spend Valentine's weekend at her...
Cruise ship etiquette: How to not get labeled “that (annoying) guy”
Sometimes people amaze me. On cruises, most folks understand good cruise ship etiquette. Sadly, it seems that each cruise also has "that guy" (or gal) who sucks away the fun just by being there. You know who I'm talking about, right? There's always that one guy or gal...
Inspiring the next step on your journey