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  How to Save Money and Get Discounts on…
  
  November 9, 2018November 13, 2018
  
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  Other Things to do at Disney World (That…
  
  July 9, 2018October 13, 2018
  
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  Iowa State Fair – Rides, Games, and the…
  
  May 29, 2018May 27, 2018
  
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  Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Military Aviation Museum, and First…
  
  October 23, 2017
  
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  First Landing State Park Campground Review
  
  August 14, 2017August 13, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Gifford Pinchot State Park Camping Trip, Part 2
  
  June 23, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Gifford Pinchot State Park Camping Trip (Campground Review)
  
  May 16, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Meal Plan for our Camping Trip
  
  February 4, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Ocean City, Maryland (Assateague State Park Camping Trip)
  
  January 25, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Assateague National Seashore | Trails and Hikes |…
  
  September 30, 2015May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Assateague State Park Camping (Campsite Review)
  
  July 28, 2015June 16, 2019
  
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  Victoria, British Columbia | Alaska Cruise Port
  
  July 27, 2017July 24, 2017
  
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  Skagway and White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad
  
  June 26, 2017
  
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  Juneau, Alaska (Alaska Cruise Port of Call)
  
  May 30, 2017May 29, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  Ruby Princess – Ship Amenities Review
  
  March 6, 2017September 13, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  Ruby Princess | Cabin Review | Mini Suite…
  
  January 3, 2017May 20, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  Celebrity Constellation Cruise Ship Review (Mediterranean Cruise) –…
  
  August 30, 2015September 13, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  RCCL Adventure of the Seas Review with Photos
  
  February 22, 2015November 14, 2018
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport Overview
  
  May 30, 2019June 1, 2019
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Scarlet Huntington Hotel Review | San Francisco Hotels
  
  December 11, 2017December 10, 2017
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  The Complete Guide to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands…
  
  September 4, 2017December 10, 2019
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Port Orleans Riverside Review | Walt Disney World…
  
  August 9, 2017November 11, 2018
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  West Cliff Inn Bed and Breakfast Santa Cruz…
  
  June 5, 2017June 11, 2017
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa – Hotel…
  
  December 19, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Grand Hyatt Seattle (Hotel Review)
  
  October 11, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Westin Grand Vancouver (Hotel Review)
  
  July 20, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Laurel Highlands Weekend Trip, Part 2
  
  January 8, 2018January 6, 2018
  
  Road Trips
  
  Big Sur and Carmel, Part 2
  
  October 2, 2017October 23, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  West Cliff Inn Bed and Breakfast Santa Cruz…
  
  June 5, 2017June 11, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Toronto – Ontario Road Trip 2009 (Blast from…
  
  February 8, 2015May 20, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Niagara Falls 2009 (Ontario Road Trip), Part 2…
  
  February 1, 2015May 20, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Niagara Falls 2009 (Ontario Road Trip) – Blast…
  
  January 25, 2015March 23, 2018
  
  Road Trips
  
  Las Vegas, NV – Southwest USA Road Trip…
  
  January 4, 2015May 20, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Grand Canyon – Southwest USA Road Trip (Blast…
  
  December 7, 2014October 25, 2017
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  How to Save Money and Get Discounts on…
  
  November 9, 2018November 13, 2018
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  The Ultimate Travel Packing List
  
  November 13, 2017March 9, 2018
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  Tips (and a method) for Passing Time on…
  
  September 27, 2017
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  A Cheap Airport Transportation Option
  
  September 12, 2017September 9, 2017
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  Tips for Attending a Winter Olympics
  
  September 6, 2017March 9, 2018
Home Improvement
- All Basement Renovation DIY DVD Shelves DIY Ikea Banquette Project Kitchen Renovation Recessed Lighting Installation
  
  Holidays
  
  Home Improvement Gift Ideas for DIY Enthusiasts
  
  November 23, 2018November 23, 2018
  
  Home Improvement
  
  Creating a Paint Sample Inventory
  
  August 7, 2017August 7, 2017
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Installing Ikea Sektion Kitchen Cabinets as Basement Storage
  
  May 4, 2017March 9, 2018
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Basement Renovation – Removing the Old Bar and…
  
  March 20, 2017May 3, 2017
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Installing Ikea Sektion Kitchen Cabinets as Basement Storage
  
  May 4, 2017March 9, 2018
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Basement Renovation – Removing the Old Bar and…
  
  March 20, 2017May 3, 2017
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Using Paintable Wallpaper to Cover Wood Paneling
  
  February 13, 2017November 16, 2018
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Basement Renovation (Introduction)
  
  October 12, 2016May 6, 2017
  
  DIY DVD Shelves
  
  DIY DVD Shelf Project (Part 2)
  
  October 28, 2014June 16, 2019
  
  DIY DVD Shelves
  
  DIY DVD Shelves for a Large Collection
  
  September 24, 2014November 16, 2018
  
  DIY Ikea Banquette Project
  
  DIY Banquette Kitchen Bench – Finishing Touches
  
  April 24, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  DIY Ikea Banquette Project
  
  Spacing our DIY Ikea Banquette Cabinets
  
  April 15, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  DIY Ikea Banquette Project
  
  Building Seating Supports for DIY Banquette
  
  April 2, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  DIY Ikea Banquette Project
  
  Building a Frame for a DIY Banquette
  
  March 24, 2014October 13, 2018
  
  Kitchen Renovation
  
  Installing Ikea Pax Doors as Sliding Closet Doors…
  
  March 5, 2015November 16, 2018
  
  Kitchen Renovation
  
  What to Cook and Eat during a Kitchen…
  
  January 6, 2015November 9, 2018
  
  Kitchen Renovation
  
  DIY Banquette Kitchen Bench – Finishing Touches
  
  April 24, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  Kitchen Renovation
  
  Spacing our DIY Ikea Banquette Cabinets
  
  April 15, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  Recessed Lighting Installation
  
  DIY Recessed Lighting Installation in a Drop Ceiling…
  
  October 10, 2016October 14, 2018
  
  Recessed Lighting Installation
  
  DIY Recessed Lighting Installation (Part 2)
  
  May 19, 2016November 16, 2018
  
  Recessed Lighting Installation
  
  DIY Recessed Lighting Installation in a Drop Ceiling…
  
  December 22, 2015October 21, 2018
Real Estate Investing
- Real Estate Investing
  
  We Bought a New Investment Property!
  
  September 7, 2018
  
  Real Estate Investing
  
  A Year in Review of Real Estate Investing
  
  May 14, 2018May 12, 2018
  
  Real Estate Investing
  
  Property Management Company Woes
  
  March 19, 2018March 18, 2018
  
  Real Estate Investing
  
  And now our mortgage payment doubled?
  
  September 25, 2017September 23, 2017
  
  Real Estate Investing
  
  Buying an Investment Property with Existing Tenants
  
  August 28, 2017August 26, 2017
Around DC
- Around DC
  
  Laurel Highlands Weekend Trip, Part 2
  
  January 8, 2018January 6, 2018
  
  Around DC
  
  Gifford Pinchot State Park Camping Trip, Part 2
  
  June 23, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Around DC
  
  Gifford Pinchot State Park Camping Trip (Campground Review)
  
  May 16, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Around DC
  
  Meal Plan for our Camping Trip
  
  February 4, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Around DC
  
  Ocean City, Maryland (Assateague State Park Camping Trip)
  
  January 25, 2016May 20, 2017
Resources & Referrals

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Home
Latest Posts
Travels
- All Camping Cruises Hotel Reviews Road Trips Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  Domestic Trips
  
  Iowa State Capitol Tour Review and Photos
  
  July 18, 2019July 14, 2019
  
  Canadian Rockies 2018
  
  Air Canada 777 Business Class Review – Toronto…
  
  July 12, 2019July 11, 2019
  
  Domestic Trips
  
  Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Review and Photos
  
  June 10, 2019June 8, 2019
  
  Canadian Rockies 2018
  
  Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport Overview
  
  May 30, 2019June 1, 2019
  
  Domestic Trips
  
  Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market Photos and Review
  
  May 28, 2019June 1, 2019
  
  Travel
  
  How to Save Money and Get Discounts on…
  
  November 9, 2018November 13, 2018
  
  Domestic Trips
  
  Other Things to do at Disney World (That…
  
  July 9, 2018October 13, 2018
  
  Domestic Trips
  
  Iowa State Fair – Rides, Games, and the…
  
  May 29, 2018May 27, 2018
  
  Camping
  
  Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Military Aviation Museum, and First…
  
  October 23, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  First Landing State Park Campground Review
  
  August 14, 2017August 13, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Gifford Pinchot State Park Camping Trip, Part 2
  
  June 23, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Gifford Pinchot State Park Camping Trip (Campground Review)
  
  May 16, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Meal Plan for our Camping Trip
  
  February 4, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Ocean City, Maryland (Assateague State Park Camping Trip)
  
  January 25, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Assateague National Seashore | Trails and Hikes |…
  
  September 30, 2015May 20, 2017
  
  Camping
  
  Assateague State Park Camping (Campsite Review)
  
  July 28, 2015June 16, 2019
  
  Cruises
  
  Victoria, British Columbia | Alaska Cruise Port
  
  July 27, 2017July 24, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  Skagway and White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad
  
  June 26, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  Juneau, Alaska (Alaska Cruise Port of Call)
  
  May 30, 2017May 29, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  Ruby Princess – Ship Amenities Review
  
  March 6, 2017September 13, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  Ruby Princess | Cabin Review | Mini Suite…
  
  January 3, 2017May 20, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  Celebrity Constellation Cruise Ship Review (Mediterranean Cruise) –…
  
  August 30, 2015September 13, 2017
  
  Cruises
  
  RCCL Adventure of the Seas Review with Photos
  
  February 22, 2015November 14, 2018
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport Overview
  
  May 30, 2019June 1, 2019
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Scarlet Huntington Hotel Review | San Francisco Hotels
  
  December 11, 2017December 10, 2017
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  The Complete Guide to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands…
  
  September 4, 2017December 10, 2019
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Port Orleans Riverside Review | Walt Disney World…
  
  August 9, 2017November 11, 2018
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  West Cliff Inn Bed and Breakfast Santa Cruz…
  
  June 5, 2017June 11, 2017
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa – Hotel…
  
  December 19, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Grand Hyatt Seattle (Hotel Review)
  
  October 11, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Hotel Reviews
  
  Westin Grand Vancouver (Hotel Review)
  
  July 20, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Laurel Highlands Weekend Trip, Part 2
  
  January 8, 2018January 6, 2018
  
  Road Trips
  
  Big Sur and Carmel, Part 2
  
  October 2, 2017October 23, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  West Cliff Inn Bed and Breakfast Santa Cruz…
  
  June 5, 2017June 11, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Toronto – Ontario Road Trip 2009 (Blast from…
  
  February 8, 2015May 20, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Niagara Falls 2009 (Ontario Road Trip), Part 2…
  
  February 1, 2015May 20, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Niagara Falls 2009 (Ontario Road Trip) – Blast…
  
  January 25, 2015March 23, 2018
  
  Road Trips
  
  Las Vegas, NV – Southwest USA Road Trip…
  
  January 4, 2015May 20, 2017
  
  Road Trips
  
  Grand Canyon – Southwest USA Road Trip (Blast…
  
  December 7, 2014October 25, 2017
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  How to Save Money and Get Discounts on…
  
  November 9, 2018November 13, 2018
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  The Ultimate Travel Packing List
  
  November 13, 2017March 9, 2018
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  Tips (and a method) for Passing Time on…
  
  September 27, 2017
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  A Cheap Airport Transportation Option
  
  September 12, 2017September 9, 2017
  
  Travel Tips and Tricks
  
  Tips for Attending a Winter Olympics
  
  September 6, 2017March 9, 2018
Home Improvement
- All Basement Renovation DIY DVD Shelves DIY Ikea Banquette Project Kitchen Renovation Recessed Lighting Installation
  
  Holidays
  
  Home Improvement Gift Ideas for DIY Enthusiasts
  
  November 23, 2018November 23, 2018
  
  Home Improvement
  
  Creating a Paint Sample Inventory
  
  August 7, 2017August 7, 2017
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Installing Ikea Sektion Kitchen Cabinets as Basement Storage
  
  May 4, 2017March 9, 2018
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Basement Renovation – Removing the Old Bar and…
  
  March 20, 2017May 3, 2017
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Installing Ikea Sektion Kitchen Cabinets as Basement Storage
  
  May 4, 2017March 9, 2018
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Basement Renovation – Removing the Old Bar and…
  
  March 20, 2017May 3, 2017
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Using Paintable Wallpaper to Cover Wood Paneling
  
  February 13, 2017November 16, 2018
  
  Basement Renovation
  
  Basement Renovation (Introduction)
  
  October 12, 2016May 6, 2017
  
  DIY DVD Shelves
  
  DIY DVD Shelf Project (Part 2)
  
  October 28, 2014June 16, 2019
  
  DIY DVD Shelves
  
  DIY DVD Shelves for a Large Collection
  
  September 24, 2014November 16, 2018
  
  DIY Ikea Banquette Project
  
  DIY Banquette Kitchen Bench – Finishing Touches
  
  April 24, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  DIY Ikea Banquette Project
  
  Spacing our DIY Ikea Banquette Cabinets
  
  April 15, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  DIY Ikea Banquette Project
  
  Building Seating Supports for DIY Banquette
  
  April 2, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  DIY Ikea Banquette Project
  
  Building a Frame for a DIY Banquette
  
  March 24, 2014October 13, 2018
  
  Kitchen Renovation
  
  Installing Ikea Pax Doors as Sliding Closet Doors…
  
  March 5, 2015November 16, 2018
  
  Kitchen Renovation
  
  What to Cook and Eat during a Kitchen…
  
  January 6, 2015November 9, 2018
  
  Kitchen Renovation
  
  DIY Banquette Kitchen Bench – Finishing Touches
  
  April 24, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  Kitchen Renovation
  
  Spacing our DIY Ikea Banquette Cabinets
  
  April 15, 2014October 14, 2018
  
  Recessed Lighting Installation
  
  DIY Recessed Lighting Installation in a Drop Ceiling…
  
  October 10, 2016October 14, 2018
  
  Recessed Lighting Installation
  
  DIY Recessed Lighting Installation (Part 2)
  
  May 19, 2016November 16, 2018
  
  Recessed Lighting Installation
  
  DIY Recessed Lighting Installation in a Drop Ceiling…
  
  December 22, 2015October 21, 2018
Real Estate Investing
- Real Estate Investing
  
  We Bought a New Investment Property!
  
  September 7, 2018
  
  Real Estate Investing
  
  A Year in Review of Real Estate Investing
  
  May 14, 2018May 12, 2018
  
  Real Estate Investing
  
  Property Management Company Woes
  
  March 19, 2018March 18, 2018
  
  Real Estate Investing
  
  And now our mortgage payment doubled?
  
  September 25, 2017September 23, 2017
  
  Real Estate Investing
  
  Buying an Investment Property with Existing Tenants
  
  August 28, 2017August 26, 2017
Around DC
- Around DC
  
  Laurel Highlands Weekend Trip, Part 2
  
  January 8, 2018January 6, 2018
  
  Around DC
  
  Gifford Pinchot State Park Camping Trip, Part 2
  
  June 23, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Around DC
  
  Gifford Pinchot State Park Camping Trip (Campground Review)
  
  May 16, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Around DC
  
  Meal Plan for our Camping Trip
  
  February 4, 2016May 20, 2017
  
  Around DC
  
  Ocean City, Maryland (Assateague State Park Camping Trip)
  
  January 25, 2016May 20, 2017
Resources & Referrals

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russia 2014

Russia Trip Travel Travels Trip Reports
Our Crazy Sochi Accommodations Story

by Melissa April 28, 2014May 8, 2017

April 28, 2014May 8, 2017

Settle in folks, this is more than 3200 words of our crazy Sochi Accommodations story. But I promise, it’s worth it. During…

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What to Cook and Eat during a Kitchen Renovation (Complete meal plan ideas)
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Iowa State Capitol Tour Review and Photos
July 18, 2019
Getting a Lip Biopsy Test for Sjogrens Syndrome – My Experience
July 16, 2019
Air Canada 777 Business Class Review – Toronto to Calgary
July 12, 2019
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Review and Photos
June 10, 2019
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport Overview
May 30, 2019

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Being Prepared for an Emergency when Abroad

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I'm Melissa and this is where I blog about our travels, home improvement projects, personal finance hacks, and our efforts to retire early.

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