Check out the latest inspirations by clicking a category or scrolling below:

6 Intentional Weekend Getaways from Calgary
Michaela Brownlee Michaela Brownlee

6 Intentional Weekend Getaways from Calgary

One of the best parts about living in Calgary? Within just a few hours, you can shift from bustling city life to total stillness. Whether you’re craving mountains, meadows, or a cozy café in a small town, Alberta (and nearby B.C.) is packed with soul-nourishing escapes.

Here are six weekend getaway ideas—each offering its own kind of magic.

Read More
A January Weekend in Paris
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

A January Weekend in Paris

Paris in January offers a quieter, more romantic side of the city. With festive decorations lingering post-New Year, cozy cafes, and iconic landmarks glowing in the winter light, it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend escape. We spent a few cosy days after our 10 days in Ireland and here’s how to make the most of your Parisian adventure, including must-visit spots and seasonal highlights.

Read More
Planning a Trip: Ireland at Christmas
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

Planning a Trip: Ireland at Christmas

Ireland in December offers a magical mix of festive cheer, cozy winter vibes, and stunning landscapes. From bustling Christmas markets to warm pubs with live music and hearty meals, it’s the perfect destination to soak up the holiday spirit. My fiance is Irish, and entire family lives in Ireland (theres a few scattered in various parts of Europe too), so we’re headed for our first Christmas together with his family.

Read More
What to Do and What to Pack: Valencia, Spain in November
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

What to Do and What to Pack: Valencia, Spain in November

My best friend and I hopped on a quick RyanAir flight last November to go check out Valencia for the weekend. We started off by Googling the warmest cities in November as we both wanted a warmer break from the day to day cold of Canada and the UK. I loved Spain when I went there back in 2014, and I was happy to be back and eating all the tapas and paella we could find. With such a quick trip though, we had a lot to squeeze in and we wanted to still have a rather laid back weekend.

Read More
Planning a Trip: Weekend in Ottawa in Winter
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

Planning a Trip: Weekend in Ottawa in Winter

Growing up in Canada, and actually being born in Ontario, the fact I had never been to Ottawa was crazy to me. So when my friend’s partner suggested skating on the Rideau Canal, I was in. I’m not the best skater, but I love to be on skates and feel a great sense of freedom in the fresh air. Since I’ve been trying to keep my trips to long weekends, and since it’s the dead of winter, I hopped on a plane on a Thursday morning and headed for Ottawa to meet up with friends.

Read More
Planning a Trip: Sauble Beach
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

Planning a Trip: Sauble Beach

2021 and 2022 I spent more time in Eastern Canada than I have since I lived there from Age 1-7. I managed to find cheap flights constantly, and was able to go out and see friends and family for DIY projects, concerts, road trips and surprises. One of the road trips that we took was to Sauble Beach in late September. Although beautiful, it was a little bit colder than we initially anticipated and our adventure included less pool time and more time exploring. I would go back in a heartbeat in a warmer month, but September wasn’t a bad time to explore the town while it was sleepy, and get to know The June Motel.

Read More
What to Do: Palm Springs in 2024
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

What to Do: Palm Springs in 2024

This is my third Palm Springs post, and it’s just because I love it so much. I’ve gone there with family, with a partner, myself and soon to be a couples trip, and still find a way to still have the best time. Whether it be hiking, biking, walking around, shopping or golfing, there is something for everyone, no matter what the season. I was there last year with my parents before hip surgery, and it was about 4 years since I was there with people other than family. I can’t wait to get back down there with our friends to show them all the things to love about PS.

Read More
Planning a Trip: Palm Springs Part 2
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

Planning a Trip: Palm Springs Part 2

Two years after writing and visiting Palm Springs, I’m headed back! I’ve been there a few times since with work, but it’s never quite the same, and you spend the time lamenting the hot sun rather than soaking in it! Here are more things to do and what to see in PS!

Read More
Laos Guide: Crossing from Thailand
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

Laos Guide: Crossing from Thailand

First off, there are a few ways of getting into Lao, but this post is about the crossing from Thailand into Laos via the Mekong River. The two day slow boat was a trip I won’t forget and a fun way to spend the first couple days in a new country. Check out my tips for taking the cruise and what to do.

Read More
What to Do: Sa Pa
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

What to Do: Sa Pa

First off, Sa Pa is this city/town, with surrounding towns that make up a northwestern part of Vietnam. Laying very close to the Chinese border, this place takes a bit to get to from Hanoi, but it’s well worth it to escape the city and be immersed in a bit of culture.

Read More
What to Do: Ha Long Bay
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

What to Do: Ha Long Bay

Now, after arriving at my hostel in Hanoi, I was overwhelmed with the amount of trips that were offered, everyone from your front desk, to tour company, to shack by the side of the road had tours they could book for you, and they promised they had the most exclusive deal. I’m going to start off this post with a few tips on finding the right tour and what you can expect to pay!

Read More
What to Do: Hanoi
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

What to Do: Hanoi

I don't know about you, but I love hostel travel. I've been spoiled in meeting great people and hanging out with them during my stays and I end up becoming long term friends with a lot of them. I lucked out in Hanoi, staying in the Old Quarter at the Old Quarter View Hostel, right in the heart of the happenings of Hanoi and right where all the food and activity was.

Read More
Planning a Trip: Seattle
Travel Michaela Brownlee Travel Michaela Brownlee

Planning a Trip: Seattle

After missing our flight, we ended up stuck in Seattle for an 8 hour layover. I had never been before and the opportunity to explore made me excited. With 8 hours and counting, we wanted to make sure that we maximized our time there and got a chance to see a few sights. We managed to cram a few things in, but given a weekend here is what I would have liked to do!

Read More

Most Popular Content