Novel Destinations, a #TLCBookTours stop

Novel Destinations is a book written for those who truly love literature. For those who step out of their own lives and into the pages, awash in a world they've arrived in. Fortunately, this second edition of Novel Destinations helps people like me...people who ache to return to the haunting Gothic South that they've never physically been to, the cathedrals of Paris that only exist in their mind's eye, and the rowdy Burns Night Supper that lingers on their tongue...revisit and relive these experiences even when the cover is closed.

Your passport to literary adventure.

50 States 5000 Ideas | #TLCBookTours

The first time I traveled in an airplane, I was 36. Growing up, whenever we traveled, we took the car, which is probably where my love of road trips began. I've always loved road maps and atlases, often spending just as much time in that section of a book store as I spent anywhere else. I would sit in the back seat of the car, map spread out, tracking our journey with my finger as we passed mile markers, rest stops, state parks, and signs for local attractions.

When I started paging through the new National Geographic release, 50 States 5000 Ideas, it was like I was a kid again, in the back seat, staring at the wonders outside of my window. Filled with bright, vivid photographs from each of the 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces, as well as an overview of a few good cities to start with and landscape info, my mind immediately started planning road trips that I could take with my family.

Monkey Mat: Product Review

I'm that girl who keeps a stack of blankets in her trunk. I mean, you never know when the mood to hit the beach, watch some fireworks, have a picnic, or see a concert might strike—and I believe in being prepared. That's carried over from young adulthood to slightly-older adulthood. However, we're not always in my car when that happens. Or maybe we are and, as much as we love them, just don't feel like lugging out the big blankets.

Secret Dining Spots of Key West + Grouper Fritters #FLKeys

This guest post is brought to you by The Florida Keys and Key West, in conjunction with Honest Cooking.

A favorite destination for Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, and many more, Key West is known for its palm lined streets and fish that is fresh enough to draw any committed culinary traveler. With a distinct mixture of cultures, the island is not only home to a strong seafood scene, but a tantalizing fusion of cuisines. At night, the street a lit up with vibrant sidewalk cafes that lure in passersby with delicious scents of their specialties. Live music and hopping bars are the perfect pairings to watch the sunset into the Gulf of Mexico.

Follow the Pie Rules of Conduct, an excerpt from The Big Bucket List Book

The Big Bucket List Book: 133 Experiences of a Lifetime

author: Gin Sander
publisher: Sourcebooks
soft cover: 231 pages

"foodie" read: No, but there are some fun experience ideas for the foodies including a whole section titled "Thrill Your Taste Buds: Food and Wine"!

teaser (from back cover): Everyone has a daunting "bucket list" of things to complete before they die. The problem? We spend too much time creating lists of wat we want to achieve instead of just doing it.

Stylish On-The-Go Thermos Choice, a Libre Tea Glass Review

Last month I introduced you to the Libre Tea Glass, a pretty, practical, and convenient on-the-go glass with a removable filter for leaf tea. It's 100% BPA free, has a glass interior, and keeps drinks hot or cold. Today I'm going to share my thoughts on the glass after using it for a couple of weeks.

Appearance: It's definitely a looker. I ordered their 14-ounce Classic Glass Tea Infuser. It's very sleek and sophisticated with shades of tan, gold, and silver. The outer material is a durable poly, while the inside is glass.

Feel: Substantial...and this is a good thing. The glass has a bit of weight to it, which in my mind means that it's not going to flip over or blow away if I'm outside in the park, at a ball game, etc.

Sweet Potato Ham Biscuits inspired by History and Ham in Smithfield

A big thank you to Smithfield Foods and Hunter PR for sponsoring my trip to Smithfield, Virginia. All opinions shared in this article are my own.

clockwise from top left: view of the James River from the lodge at Aberdeen Farm, "Magnolia"  of Smithfield's Porcine Parade, A cotton field in Smithfield county, P.D. Gwaltney, Jr. House

Recently I was treated to a whirlwind 48 hour adventure in which I glimpsed the rich history and culture of Smithfield, Virginia. Before my trip, when I heard the word Smithfield, I associated it with ham. I think that's a pretty appropriate reaction to a town that is home to the world's oldest ham, a porcine parade, and thick humid air that delivers the scent of smoked ham to your senses the moment you step foot in town.

Get Lost in the Shipshewana Corn Maze!

Fall has always been my favorite time of year. I think part of that has to do with growing up in the midwest. There's a moment when the thick oppressive summer heat gives way to the crisp, cool fall air; one deep breath and all is right with the world again. It also means the start of some of my favorite things—football, apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes. I love that each of these activities is family-friendly and that they can be found within a short distance of home here in northwestern Indiana.

This past Friday after my two youngest got home from school, we all jumped in the car, excited to spend the evening at the Shipshewana Corn Maze. Shipshewana, located in the heart of Northern Indiana Amish Country, lies about 45 miles east of South Bend and about 55 miles northwest of Fort Wayne. Even though its population is just under 700, the charming streets of Shipshewana always seem to be bustling with excitement. But more on that another day, today I'm going to focus on the corn maze itself.

Family Fun at the Shipshewana Indiana Corn Maze + $1 coupon!

Shipshewana Corn Maze

Looking for some place in Indiana where the whole family can have fun in a safe and relaxing environment? Check out the Shipshewana Indiana Corn Maze, located in the downtown area of Shipshewana, home to lots of good restaurants, 16 historical murals, and 100 shops. The maze is good, quality fun that also gives the next generation an understanding about how corn is grown and used in our food today.

The unique design and idea of the corn maze came about after the owners were discussing area events and attractions at a family gathering. After a little research, they found Mazeplay, a company which has designed many mazes across the country so that thousands of people can enjoy them every year.