Salem and I have a beautiful history. Salem is where I went to college and lived for 4 magnificent years. While Halloween and witches are highly commercialized here now, it’s important for people to know the true history of Salem and experience the city in its purest form. Salem is a charming coastal New England gem, perfect for year-round retreats.

I’ve always been enamored with Spain and appreciate the significance that passion, nature, and celebration have in Spain’s everyday culture. Maybe it’s their deep fútbol roots, their dreamy guitar and lively dance, their joy of sharing delicious tapas, or their connection with nature’s beautiful surroundings that tugs at my heartstrings. Spain just gets me; especially Catalonia!

I’m extremely thankful that I was able to travel to Antigua with my family over Christmas. Not only did we have Christmas and New Years to celebrate, but we had so many other reasons, including Nanny’s 80th birthday, Grammy’s almost 90th birthday, new career journeys, marriage anniversaries, and healthy minds and bodies.

Chicago, a city known for it’s booming restaurant and bar scene, most definitely has it’s perks. But, sometimes we forget about all the brilliant activities we have access to in the city that are not eating or drinking related.