17Jul 2017 by Christine Crutchfield 4 Comments

Vacation and Rejuvenation

Late this afternoon, my husband and I got back from 5 days of relaxing and rejuvenating with friends. It’s an annual trip up in the woods of Maine, and for many of us, it’s a tech-free trip, total unplugging because we don’t get cell service. It felt wonderful to camp, splash around or canoe in the water, play games, sit around the fire, enjoy meals together, and more. It also made me feel a little bit guilty. Since starting this blog in earnest, I’ve come to realize just how much goes into blogging, particularly the behind-the-scenes stuff, and I felt bad that I left Thursday morning with Friday’s post scheduled to publish, but nothing for today. I felt bad that I couldn’t promote it, or share tweets or photos on…

10Jul 2017 by Christine Crutchfield 10 Comments

Saco Shenanigans – How to Have the Best Time on a Float

Living, Traveling

It’s the Monday before our annual canoe trip, and I’ve got Saco on the brain. This morning, as I worked to finish the post for today, I found myself continuously drawn to photos of previous trips, my To Buy/To Pack/To Do list, and other Saco distractions. Finally, I decided to stop fighting it and save that other post for another day. Instead, I bring you the Saco Shenanigans Extravaganza post! Time spent floating down a river is one of the best ways to enjoy a summer day. Unlike the beach, rivers can be found just about anywhere in the country, and it can also be extremely affordable! This is my 5th year going on this trip, but some of my friends have been at it for decades. I asked them…

05Jul 2017 by Christine Crutchfield No Comments

Touted Travel – Encinitas, CA

Living, Traveling

Our last travel spotlight focused on a fun town in the upper Northeast part of the United States. This week, I’d like to bring you all to the opposite corner of the country to the town of Encinitas in the coastal Southwest, another place close to my heart. I used to be one of those rarities you hear about - a native San Diegan, born in Balboa Naval Hospital and raised (aside from a couple brief stints before I was 4) in Spring Valley. At nineteen, I decided to check out life on the East Coast and headed to Connecticut for college, but for grad school I moved back to my home county, this time living it up and sharing space with a band along the coast in Del Mar…

26Jun 2017 by Christine Crutchfield 1 Comment

It’s Coming! 8 Week Countdown to the Solar Eclipse

Living, Traveling

The life you have imagined is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I can’t help but to hear it in my head, “There’s nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the…” sun? Eight weeks from today, many people in the United States will have the opportunity to experience a nearly once-in-a-lifetime event, a total solar eclipse. Once in a lifetime? you might think. I’ve heard of lots of eclipses happening. And you wouldn’t be wrong. But there are many things that, when added up, will make this year’s eclipse extra special. Type of Eclipse: For starters, it’s important to understand that there are different types…

14Jun 2017 by Christine Crutchfield 12 Comments

Wednesday Wisdom – Gratitude

Living, Teaching, Traveling, Writing

Phew! This blogging thing bends my brain and captivates my attention in ways I’m not used to! My goal is to share thoughtful, quality posts consistently on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday basis, and though I am working hard to do so, I can’t seem to keep my days straight. It’s like being in my classroom in Connecticut on M/W/F and continually telling my students I’ll see them on T/Th (which I frequently do) when I teach in Massachusetts on those days. But so far I just haven’t quite gotten it down. So, we’ll consider yesterday a bonus post (hooray!), and today we’ll do something light and fun. I’ve been feeling really lucky to be working full time this summer on something I’m passionate about, so I want to take a moment to…

13Jun 2017 by Christine Crutchfield 3 Comments

Touted Travel – Wells, Maine

Living, Traveling

There is nowhere quite like Maine in the summer. The snow’s melted away and left in its wake vibrant green mountains and a plethora of rivers and lakes for the hiking or canoeing connoisseur. However, summer beach lovers have just as much reason to visit our most north-easterly state. With over 6,000 islands and more than 3,500 miles of crooked coastline, there are numerous coves, harbors, and beaches for the sandy-souled visitor to enjoy, not to mention a multitude of adorable coastal towns! Even better news is that the beaches of Southern Maine are actually more accessible than one might think. While Maine does seem quite far away, the drive from New York City to York Beach is less than 5 hours, and from Boston, it’s only an hour and…

02Jun 2017 by Christine Crutchfield 7 Comments

Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

Living, Traveling

Happy Friday Everyone! It’s the start of the first weekend in June. To celebrate, I’ve put together the Ultimate 50-Song Road Trip Playlist for your summer adventures and driving dance parties. This themed playlist has something for everyone, from indie to reggae, pop to hip-hop, and classics to country, to get your weekend started off right. Am I missing your favorite drive-themed song? Let me know in the comments! Happy and safe motoring! https://open.spotify.com/user/129247063/playlist/2uI9BSXM5tJD1uyB2PhV4m Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root Ramble On - Train Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf Road Trippin’ - Red Hot Chili Peppers Cruise - Florida Georgia Line Getaway - Hudson Moore Take the Long Way - Po’ Girl Life Is a Highway - Tom Cochrane Run Devil Run - Crowder Come with Me Now…

19Mar 2017 by Christine Crutchfield 15 Comments

How to Plan an Epic Road Trip

Traveling

It’s nearly spring! The trees are budding, the days are getting longer, and the weather is warming up. For those of you stuck in snowy climates like me, we’re feeling the itch to get out of the house and our winter coats and into some sunshine and flip flops! Spring is also the perfect time to start thinking about a road trip. I have put in my fair share of miles, having crossed the country seven times and made numerous shorter trips in between. There is just something about rolling the windows down, turning the radio up, and experiencing some of the great things this country has to offer, not to mention the potential savings for larger groups or families. Whether your trip is about the ride or the destination,…