It’s difficult to believe we’re already halfway through January! It feels like we were just opening the Christmas presents and it’s already time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. Before we get too far into the year I wanted to take a minute to share my 2019 travel plans. There are two main reasons for sharing these plans…
I hope one (or more) of these trips inspires your travel in 2019!
I need your tips! If you’ve been to any of these places or have read great blog posts about these places, please drop links and tips into the comments below! A lot of these trips are new locations so I need your advice!
And now a look at my 2019 travel plans…
January
Central California – Route 1
I’m taking a trip to finish up my tour of the 21 California Missions. I’ve been to 17 of the 21 and I’m excited to visit the final four. All four are located in Central California on Route 1 – Pacific Coast Highway – so it will definitely be a scenic trip!
February
San Diego, California
I’ll be heading to San Diego for a work conference and decided to add on a day or two for some sightseeing. The weather in San Diego during the winter is absolute perfection and although I’ve been there before, there is a lot I still haven’t seen!
March
Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
I always try to sneak in one or two sightseeing activities while I’m in Haiti, but the main purpose of my trip is to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews! Because seriously, who can resist this face?!?
May-July
Europe
Here’s where the crazy travel begins! I’ve spent three weeks in Spain, but this is my first time in Europe beyond that. And I believe you should go big or go home, so I’m heading to England, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. If you have any thoughts on where to say, what to see, or what to eat, I’ll take them all!
July
North Dakota & Montana
Once this trip is complete I’ll have been to ALL 50 states!! I have been waiting for this trip for a couple of years now since I crossed off states 45-48. But the time has come to visit these last two states!
July – December
I’m not sure yet! I have a list of trips I’d like to take in 2019 but planning the trips already on my calendar has kept me so busy I haven’t had a chance to make travel plans for the second half of the year. Do you have any suggestions? If you do, please leave them below so I can start planning more adventures!
What about you? Where are you going in 2019? I’d love to hear all about your 2019 travel plans in the comments below.
One thing you should know about me is I love cupcakes. Anytime my 4th graders need to create a team name, it is some variation of the Traveling Blue Cupcakes. Sometimes the cupcakes are blue, sometimes they’re dancing, but these kids know that if it’s traveling + blue + involves cupcakes, then I’m in! Often when I travel, one of the first things I research is cupcake shops. Consequently, I’ve been to more than 100 cupcake shops. And now I’ve had my first experience with cupcakes in Haiti!
On our way home from a day trip to Satama Hotel, I was pleasantly surprised to discover Cap-Haïtien, Haiti has a cupcake shop. I couldn’t resist checking out a new cupcake shop, so we made a quick stop! It was quite a treat to check out the cupcakes from Goût Sucré Pâtisserie. Decorated in pinks and purples, the store was quite adorable! You also just had a feeling when you walked in that it was going to live up to its name, Goût Sucré, meaning sweet taste.
The Cupcake Trifecta
The variety is not the same as is typically available at many cupcake shops in the United States, but they are not able to source as many ingredients in Haiti, so it is understandable. The cupcakes are reasonably priced and in terms of the cupcake trifecta:
•Cake to Frosting Ratio – Knocks it out of the park!
•Cake – A basic American grocery store vanilla cupcake.
•Frosting – The frosting had a different texture than expected. However, I’m not sure if that is exclusive to this shop or if this type of frosting is simply more typical in Haiti.
Finding the Cupcakes in Haiti
If you’ve spent much time in Cap – O’Kap to the locals, Cap Haitien most formally – you know that the Boulevard is the place to be. With the exception of Denny’s (not the tired American chain but possibly the best BBQ chicken you’ll find in Haiti), if you’re looking for a restaurant you’re going to find it on the Boulevard. The Boulevard du Cap-Haitien is the uncharacteristically wide stretch of road lining the coast which Google Maps will tell you is Mardi Gras Reef, but don’t get excited because you won’t want to touch this beach with a 10 foot pole. Drive northwest over the small mountain to some lovely beaches, and come back to the Boulevard for some food. From the Auberge du Picolet, where my sister and brother-in-law had their wedding reception, to Barik the cowboy bar. Yes, I’m serious. There’s something for everyone in Cap.
While this cupcake doesn’t make my list of Top 10 Favorite Cupcakes, the custom creations look great and it’s great for Haiti to be opening new and different businesses like this. So, if you’re looking for cupcakes in Haiti, or simply want to support local businesses, I’d recommend a visit!
At the beginning of 2018 I set a reading goal of 156 books and promptly asked everyone I knew for book recommendations. And then I started reading. A lot. Whether I met the goal is a matter of how you want to look at the data. Technically, I entered 195 books on GoodReads (where I track all of my books) during 2018 but only 110 of them were chapter books. The other 85 were picture books as I read one book a day with my 4th graders. So even though I didn’t technically read 156 books for me this year, 110 is still pretty awesome!
I regularly have people ask me for book recommendations so I thought I would take a look back at 2018 and share my favorite books.
As with most of my posts, some links may be affiliate links. This means at no additional cost to you, I may make a small commission on anything you buy through the link.
Historical Fiction Book Recommendations
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly – This is one of the best World War II historical fiction books I’ve read. The fact that it is inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine moves it even higher on my list of book recommendations. I’m looking forward to reading Lost Roses, also by Martha Hall Kelly in 2019 and discovering the connections to the characters in Lilac Girls.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate – This book is why historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I love when author is able to share a piece of history through incredible storytelling and when I finish the book I race to Google to research the historical event. Which is definitely what happened with this book!
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter – Hunter does something not all authors are able to do well, write a story that covers quite a few years and quite a few characters. And the fact this incredible story is inspired by a true story makes it even more remarkable. Another excellent World War II book. The Dutch Wife by Ellen Keith – Set during World War II, this book was quite thought-provoking. Reading made me think about how war might change what you will and will not do for your family.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan – Another World War II book inspired by a true story. Not only was I not able to put the book down, but this book has helped me inspire my travels in Europe.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah – Sometimes it’s important for my reading to wander beyond World War II and out of Europe and Hannah did that by taking me to Alaska in the 1970’s. An outstanding read that made me think about right and wrong and whether the line can ever be moved.
General Fiction Book Recommendations
The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan – Admittedly, I am a royal watcher…and not just the British Royal Family! Although I would be happy to talk about the awesomeness that is the Duchess of Cambridge anytime! This book was just a downright fun read and would be a great beach read and a must-buy for any royal fans.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – I connected with this book because I’ve definitely had seasons of my life where I was okay with things just being fine. Ng looks at a life that is more than fine.
180 Seconds by Jessica Park – I truly do not think I could articulate just why I liked this book but every time I scanned back over the list of books I’d read in 2018, this one came to the top.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan – As an avid reader I love finding new bookstores and connecting with others who love reading, so this book was the perfect dive into an intriguing literary world.
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch (Young Adult Fiction) – Fun young adult fiction (because sometimes my brain needs a break from heavy World War II reading) that will make you want to head to the nearest airport and hop on a flight to Italy.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Children’s) – I love children’s books with a theme of friendship because I think that’s so important for kids to read about it. And Brown does an outstanding job with the illustrations (he also has lots of great picture books!) and a compelling story.
Non-Fiction Book Recommendations
Finish by Jon Acuff – This was the first book in read in 2018 because I had a couple of big goals (read 156 books, become debt-free) and I wanted 2018 to be the year I actually finished my goals. I can’t recommend this book enough for anyone setting any type of goal.
Capital Gaines by Chip Gaines – I enjoy reading biographies and memoirs and after several years of watching Chip & Jo on TV I was excited to read Chip’s book. And it was well worth it. Great to take a closer look at their journey and who they are as people.
The Disney Way by Bill Capodagli & Lynn Jackson – Disney has been successful year after year and decade after decade for a reason. And this book gives you a sneak behind the curtain at Mickey’s house and how to implement the strategies yourself.
Picture Book Recommendations
Here’s the thing…picture books aren’t just for little kids! This school year I’ve committed to reading a picture book every day with my 4th graders and it is one of our favorite parts of the day. Since we’ve already read nearly 90 books this year, it’s difficult to pick just one or two favorites, so here is a look at some of our top favorites from the first half of the year…
I’d love to hear from you in the comments, what books should be on my 2019 reading list? My first goal is to see how long I can go without getting any new books while I read all the books already on my shelves, but then I’m open to suggestions!
I love traveling and exploring new places and one of my favorite ways to travel is to road trip! There’s just something about not only enjoying a destination, but exploring and discovering new things along the way. I was one when I took my first road trip and I’ve road tripped more than 100,000 miles since then. Along the way I’ve found a lot of travel inspiration from various road trip bloggers.
These bloggers share can’t miss roadside attractions, unique lodging, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that can’t be passed by and adventures to take in places you may never even have considered visiting. These bloggers inspire me to pack up and hit the road so I wanted to pass on that inspiration to you as you plan your next adventure! You can also find great road trip inspiration on Pinterest!
Road Trip Bloggers
Back Road Ramblers – Tara and Eric share about road tripping in the United States and have an interest in small town destinations, traveling with teens, hiking, glamping retreats and more.
Backroad Planet – Howard and Jerrry are from Florida and they travel off the beaten path and share out-of-the-way historical places, scenic routes and the hole-in-the-wall places you just can’t miss.
Dang Travelers – David and Angela are obsessed with travel and highlight amazing locations, pass along budget-friendly tips, share our favorite travel resources, and to post about our journey from part-time to full-time travel.
Exploration America – You’ll have the opportunity to follow this family of five as they explore America one city at a time.
One Road at a Time – Abi and Patti have lived on both coasts and they now redefine retirement one road at a time.
Roost and Wander – Nikki shares a great mix of travel and recipes/traditions from life at home.
Travel Inspired Living – Tonya started her blog in a 31-foot motorhome and has grown and evolved to share thoughts on family travel, travel in the US, cooking in hotel rooms, and as every good road tripper needs…Tonya shares roadside attractions!
Have you been on any road trips lately? Are there other road trip bloggers that inspire you to hit the road for your next adventure?
Long held public perception of Haiti is that it is a country filled with destruction and mass poverty. People imagine millions upon millions of Haitians living in tents unable to feed themselves or their families. People imagine piles of rubble from the buildings that collapsed in the earthquake. People imagine a country only able to survive with the help of outside organizations.
And there are kernels of truth in those perceptions. 25% of Haitians live in extreme poverty. Haiti ranks 163rd out of 188 on the 2016 Human Development Index. The literacy rate hovers around 60%. Haiti is prone to natural disasters and it is indeed a third world country. There is corruption in the country.
But it is also so much more.
It is a country filled with serene beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, vibrant art, and valuable history.
It is a country filled with people working hard despite limited opportunities.
When Haiti gained its independence on January 1, 1804, it not only became the first black republic in the world, but it became the first country in the Western hemisphere to abolish slavery. There is so much rich history to be gleaned as the Haitian Revolution is the world’s only successful slave rebellion.
Haiti was a major tourist destination in the Caribbean after World War II and people came in droves to visit this island nation. The art, the music, the culture, the beaches drew people in to this nation occupying the western portion of Hispaniola.
Several natural disasters and a tumultuous political period have left pain, heartache, and uncertainty, but they have not extinguished the beauty.
Sans-Souci Palace
The ruins of Sans-Souci Palace, built from 1810-1813, look different than when King Henri I was in residence but what remains nestled in the vibrantly green mountains are worth seeing (And on this point of interest I’m slightly biased because this is where my sister and brother-in-law got married).
Ile à rats, translated Island of Rats, is a serene escape with a misleading name as there is not a rat to be found! However, there is a grove of trees in the center surrounded by fine white sand and snorkeling in waters whose color is not found in the 8-pack of Crayolas but only in the 120-pack!
Citadelle
The Citadelle sits on top of Bonnet a L’Eveque and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Haiti. The trail to the Citadel is 7 miles and can be travelled on foot or horseback. The top of the fortress offers breathtaking views in every direction and throughout the fortress you’ll find more than 160 cannons and tens of thousands of cannonballs resting in piles.
Haiti is so much more than an earthquake and it is open for business. I would highly encourage you to explore the idea of Haiti travel in this beautiful country. The Haitian Tourism Board says it best, “If you like history, culture, adventure and you want to be stimulated by the new and the different, it’s time to EXPERIENCE HAITI.”
As with most of my posts, some links may be affiliate links. This means at no additional cost to you, I may make a small commission on anything you buy through the link.
If you’d like to experience Haiti travel, I wanted to give you some additional reading I’d encourage you to explore…
After publishing a much loved Orange County Bucket List (seriously y’all…I love seeing your posts checking things off the list!) I decided it only made sense to create an Orange County CHRISTMAS Bucket List!! I am obsessed with the holidays and I love everything about the entire months of November and December. And Orange County has a lot to offer during the Christmas season…surfing Santas, tree lightings, ice skating, sledding, boat parades and the list goes on! So without further ado, the Orange County Christmas Bucket List…
