Kitty Deschanel

(2021 update) How long is the flight to Australia? Oh, not too long - just 16 hours (!) or so from LAX to Melbourne. Of course, few of us start in Los Angeles. Our journey took us from Albuquerque to LAX (5 hours because there were no nonstop options available), from LAX to Melbourne, and from Melbourne to Hobart (another hour or so, plus several hours to kill at the airport). By the time we arrived at our hotel, the fabulous Maylands Lodge in Hobart, we were understandably exhausted...and then my husband took me on a surprise, multi-hour hike. Uphill! Do I even need to say it was a surprise? Surely no sensible person would have agreed to strenuous activity after all that flying unless they didn't understand what they were getting into. Then again, after that much travel, is anyone still sensible? Can they understand anything? (Honestly, I think SN just got lost and he wouldn't admit it.) I'd been dreading the long flight even before booking it. I tried to convince

New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for a reason. We are a state with vivid landscapes, a unique culinary heritage, and some of the most friendly people you will ever meet. Our sunrises and sunsets aren't bad either. I still can't believe this is the view from my kitchen window.  When the world is ready to resume traveling, NM is a worthwhile destination. Here are my insider recommendations for where to go and where to eat while you are here. Visit New Mexico Best NM Hiking Jemez Springs El Morro National Monument Angel Fire Simply driving in our state presents an opportunity to enjoy stunning views. Best NM Restaurants Slate Street Cafe (Albuquerque, NM): Our favorite happy hour The Hollar (Madrid, NM): Enjoy a green chile cheeseburger on the patio. It's served on a homemade biscuit and is so large you'll barely be able to fit it inside your mouth! Greenside Cafe (Cedar Crest, NM): Best chicken-fried steak in the world Best NM Eve

*There's a list of can't-miss places and DC things to do at the end of this post, including our favorite restaurants. Sexy Nerd and I are home from our annual trip to Washington, DC. (And have been for several weeks, obviously. What a strange time we're living.) It's such a gorgeous, walkable city. I'd love to move there one day, even if only for a year or two. We could get a place near the water in Alexandria or within steps of the zoo. Did you know you can buy a condo at the Watergate? My thinking is that we can splurge on a place above our budget and really live it up while we're there, then just sell it when we move and get our money back. Sexy Nerd says that's not how it works. Isn't it though? I bought a new phone with a top-rated camera just in time - it arrived 1 day before this trip. Behold, the first selfie on my Google Pixel 3a. My previous phone was already outdated when I bought it refurbished in 2014, so this is an exciting

You may have seen this post and wondered if I've started homeschooling our little  Olive . With everyone quarantined inside their home (you are staying home, right?), now is an opportunity to expand your mind.  This is a comprehensive list of Free Homeschool Resources for all ages, including adults - you're never too old to learn something new! Think of your time spent sheltered from COVID-19 as time spent transforming inside your cocoon.  When things return to normal (and they will) and you emerge back into daily life, you will be improved. Stay home. Let's all get through this together.  Free Homeschool Resources Whether you're homeschooling your child or yourself, there's a free resource available for any topic of interest. Bookmark this page - I'll be adding to the list as I discover new freebies. Instead of resorting to home remedies to fight COVID-19 (no, Emergen-C is not going to stop it and yes, I've actually read this on Facebook), e

Despite our paid time off, SN and I always feel guilty taking a break from work to travel. We're clearly not the only ones - a recent study by the US Travel Association found that 55% of Americans did not use all of their vacation time in 2018. Busy professionals can find it hard to switch off. I know we struggle to reconcile leaving our responsibilities behind with the need for a bit of downtime. In competitive sectors, being out of the loop even for a few days can be tricky and even feel damaging to a career, particularly when you have an important role on your team. Making time for yourself is vital for everyone. Not only do you need to treat yourself from time to time, but having time to relax and not think about work can make you far more productive and efficient when you are back behind your desk. Time spent walking in the Adirondacks or cruising from San Diego gives you the mental space to think, about work, yes, but also about life and yourself. Vacation Planning Tip