Using Pinterest to Plan a trip

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Organizing a trip? I bet the first thing you do is google a location, destination or hotel. Now you have 20 tabs open and you really have no idea how to keep all this information together. One of my favourites tools for planning a trip is using Pinterest. There are thousands of blogs that write … Read more

First Wonder of Colombia – The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

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The Wonder of Colombia Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá @DownshiftingPRO 1
The Wonder of Colombia Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá @DownshiftingPRO 1

How can you explain what a cathedral nesting in one of the largest salt mines in the world looks like? It is large. Huge, in fact. It was originally opened in 1953 and then closed in 1990. Another iteration of the cathedral was opened in 1995 after the extraction of 250 thousand tons of salt rock. This mine is the largest deposit of rock salt in the world and it is spectacular. With an estimated 600,000 visitors a year, The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is considered the first of the Seven Wonders of Colombia.

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Take a Cooking Class in New Orleans – #NOLA

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Apron from the New Orleans School of Cooking @DownshiftingPRO Margarita Ibbott
Take a cooking class in New Orleans. Learn how to cook gumbo and maque choux at the New Orleans Cooking School @DownshiftingPRO
Taking a cooking class in New Orleans was the best activity.
I recommend you work it into your New Orleans itinerary

It’s very likely there is one dish or one ingredient or even one cocktail made famous in a city or state. When you are in the United States of America, you will find many regional dishes and takes on local favourites. Just thinking about the countless ways to make barbeque sauce, a lobster roll or a delectable hamburger boggles the mind. By taking a cooking class in New Orleans you learn how to make dishes like gumbo, étoufée, maque choux and so much more.

Savouring regional foods helps you to get to know a destination. The dining experience brings us together, whether it’s in a restaurant or at a cooking class, we love to eat and socialize. Having a chef walk you through a recipe while discussing the historical origins of the meal, make for a happier foodie experience. I learned this lesson the first time I took a cooking class when traveling to Spain.

Take a cooking Class when you travel New Orleans School of Cooking @DownshiftingPRO scaled

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My Words for 2020 – Strength ~ Courage ~ Wisdom

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Intricate Lineart New Year Poster
Margarita Ibbott GirlsGetaway3




Strength ~ Courage ~ Wisdom
My words for 2020

What is your word for 2020? Is it Freedom? Balance? Focus? Travel? What will be the word that will define you in 2020? The words which will guide me into the new decade will be strength, courage & wisdom. In previous years I have chosen not to create a list of New Year’s resolutions but have selected a word to help me define what I hope to see in the year to come.

Previously I have sought better FOCUS or more HAPPINESS. In 2020, I have opted to go with three interconnected words because they will help me focus on what is ultimately the right thing to do. A place that is familiar to me and I hold dear.

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Is Toronto’s Christmas Market family friendly?

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Is Torontos Christmas Market Family Friendly @DownshiftingPRO
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Great family-friendly activity in Toronto –
Christmas Market in the Distillery District

Is Toronto’s Christmas Market Family Friendly?

Toronto’s Christmas Market has become a Christmas tradition for many Toronto residents and it is drawing attention from visitors also. This year the Market was from November 14 – December 22, 2019. I decided to take a quick trip with my two daughters to see the market before it closed for the season. I’m so glad I did. This will have to become a tradition for us from now on. I wanted to find out if the Toronto Christmas Market was family-friendly. After spending more than a few hours there this weekend, I understood why it’s become so popular.

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