Invincible Penguin

Never gone on a long car trip? Here's the things you'll need for a safe and comfortable vacation on the open road.

My great-great grandparents left their home in Barile, Basilicata a century ago to emigrate to new opportunities in the US. Last year I went back to discover some of my roots. What I found was a virtually unspoiled landscape of mountains, farms and small villages full of history. Basilicata has suffered a tough past- poverty, bandits, earthquakes, landslides and even it's own mini dustbowl and has remained sparsely populated and thus much more lightly touched by modern society and rapacious tourism. If you are brave enough to visit (you'll probably have to drive!) you'll find magical medieval villages, gorgeous landscapes, food so fresh and flavorful that it'll make you cry and friendly locals - though don't expect a lot of English!

It's can be hard to figure out the perfect baby gift! I look for things that are useful or little luxuries that parents might really like but not want to buy themselves.

Toys that kids will not only love, but will really help them learn and grow, with a focus on toys that develop motor skills and imaginations.

Develop those little brains! Here's a list of great books that you can read to your little ones and they can start reading for themselves

Funny gifts are one thing, but why get something that will just end up collecting dust in a drawer. Here are the greatest things I've seen on Amazon that actually have a practical use too.

While it would be amazing to actually travel the world, you don't have to wait to sample its tastes. Find incredible food experience from around the world, right on your laptop.

If you have an older pet or disabled pet you'll want the best supplies to help keep them healthy, comfortable and happy.

Vancouver is a great place for to visit- tons of stuff to see and do. See some of my favorites and some of the places I still want to see.

Got a smaller car? - I do. Our Crosstrek is awesome - great milage, goes almost anywhere, but space is certainly at a premium.These are some of my picks to help pack efficiently.

Places to go and places to stay in the Redwood National and State Parks, Humboldt and Del Norte California

You've still got time to grab an awesome father's day gift. Here's my suggestions for making your dad's day a special day.

Being a somewhat frugal person, I might not run right out and buy these things for myself, but I would certainly be happy to open a gift and find any one of these inside 😜

Is it Doctors Day? APP Appreciation? Medical Assistant Month? Having a party for your PAs? Find great gifts to celebrate health care workers, customized just for them. Many specialities available - and if you don't see what you want, contact the artist. We can make it happen for you, no matter how small the field is.

All of the best things I've had for bicycle commuting over the last almost 20 years! Lots of suggestions for cooler, wetter weather.

You can build an incredible industrial coffee table with just a drill and a screwdriver. Awesome looks, super sturdy, better quality for the money. All together the supplies (not including tools) cost around $420. It takes around an hour or two to mark and drill pilot holes and screw the components together into an instant, super stylish, industrial style coffee table.

Hey - don't just toss that out. There's lots of things in your home that can be spruced up, cleaned up or easily reparied rather than thrown away. Save money, save the environment!

I absolutely love to read and have a soft spot for good sci-fi. I've started with some of the recents series I've read and some of my favorites. I'll add much more as I have time.

Fun things you can get for a special picnic in the park. Great as gifts!

I love to read and I love a good puzzle! Here's a few of the more recent mystery series that I've really loved.

Who says luxuries have to be expensive… these are are a few things I've purchased recently or are on my wish list of things that just make life a little more fun or a little easier, without spending a ton of money.

Love local buy local - I've a long way to go but I'm on a quest to try as many Washington wines as I can

The proliferation of pandemic puppies has lead to a whole new group of dog owners, some of whom may need a little reminding of how to be a polite pet parent.. If you find yourself dealing with the waste of others and are tired of it, look here for some ideas on how to give people a little suggestion to clean up after themselves.

Just my favorite (and walkable) places to go out to eat on a Friday night in Seattle - Capitol Hill, Central District and Madison Park areas.

Custom Golf Gifts for all golf lovers - from the super serious to the duffer, play your game in style