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A Guide to Exploring the Ancient Monasteries of Meteora, Greece
Visiting some of the most spectacular places on Earth can make it seem like you’re not on Earth at all. Whether they’re shaped by seemingly otherworldly geology or showcase near-impossible architectural feats, some spots have to be seen up close to be believed. One such place is Meteora in Greece. Arguably one of the country’s worst kept secrets, you’ll no doubt already have been introduced to this Greek gem on travel sites and Instagram feeds. However, seeing this serene setting through your phone screen simply doesn’t do it justice. If the ancient monasteries of Meteora are already on your radar, or you’re looking for your next destination to add to…
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Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls by Road Trip
I love me a good road trip! It helps clear your head, offer you time to think, cry, fart and sing along to your favorite tunes with little to no distractions. According to the International Drivers Association, these are the top 10 waterfalls in the world. With waterfalls captivating travelers with their raw power and natural beauty, some of the world’s most stunning falls are accessible via road trips. From thunderous falls to gentle cascades, here’s the perfect guide that highlights some of these incredible waterfalls you can enjoy from behind the wheel around the world. 1. Niagara Falls, USA & Canada One of the most famous waterfalls globally, Niagara…
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Feeling United by Flowers at the 195th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show
Sunshine bathes the 195th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show’s welcome banner at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. We HAVE to write about flowers. We have to experience flowers. We have to understand that their flourishing is dependent on an entire ecosystem of grass and dirt and water and sunlight and touch and love. Because when we understand that about the flowers, we will understand that about one another as well. — Jenna Winship Story, photos by Sharon Kozden While I intellectually get that every season has its distinct glory, beauty and allure, truth be told, the winter of my discontent is, well, winter. When it’s dark outside as I leave for work…
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Get Your Wild West on and go Golfing at Rancho de Los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler The first time I visited Wickenburg, Arizona was for an old Western town style photoshoot at Robson’s Ranch for local and out of town models. I had no clue what I was getting into at the time but was new to the desert and thought it would be a great way to meet some fresh faces and see new places. I has just bought my brand-new Honda whip at the time and remember being a little stressed about driving on long, windy rock roads… it seems that old West town for rent still exists although more rundown but it’s kind of rad concept.…
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Glamping in an AirStream at The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, Arizona
Photos, story and video by Cassie Hepler The nice thing about living in Phoenix is the short drive to surrounding towns that take you to a completely different vibe in any direction. And moving to North Phoenix which for is 20 minutes directly above the city much like when I lived in the Manayunk section of Philly ironically, offers you all the highways only about a mile away. Learning the rhythm of any city is the key to keeping your driving sanity and it’s no different here: skip rush hour from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. So we headed down to Queen Creek, just…
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How to Start a Stunning Jewelry Collection
Photo by Engin Akyurt Are you ready to start adding accessories to your wardrobe but don’t know exactly where to begin especially in terms of jewelry? Then having a guide will help you make the right choices. Selecting the right pieces that will mix and match well with just about any outfit you have is critical when you are creating a jewelry collection. Your collection should be beautiful but it should also enhance any outfit that you are wearing. Here are some of the key things you need to consider when choosing jewelry for your new collection. Consider Your Style and Preference It’s important that you think about what type…
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Holiday Gift Guide for Last Minute Shoppers
by Cassie Hepler Here it is the week before Christmas and have I sent any packages in the mail yet? No. Do I always wait until last minute? Yes. Because present’s day (as I’ve always called it) is hella stressful. The work crunch of shoving in everything you can before attempting to take a legit break is plain exhausting. We are animals after all and this time of year is supposed to be hibernation and rest time. But good ol’ capitalism is at it again although it seems more people are waking up to the fact that corporate America really couldn’t give a flying fart about Americans in general (thanks…
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Foodie and Mizzou Fan’s Guide to Exploring Columbia, Missouri
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler It was bound to happen someday… the dreaded almost spending an overnight at the airport debacle. In my over almost 30 years of flying on airplanes, I had the worst and slimiest experience ever though American Airlines. I had a very slim window to make a layover and when I got an email the night before asking if I wanted to get paid (up to $700!) to switch my flight date and times, I had a feeling this wasn’t going to end well. Then at the gate at Phoenix airport, they pushed back the flight time a half hour making it near impossible. More than…
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The Dazzling World of Diamonds: Unearth Their Charm and Value
For centuries, humans have been mesmerized by their sparkling beauty – diamonds being one of them! But beyond their alluring shine lies another truth about these gems that makes them such coveted pieces to add to collections: what makes these gemstones such a show-stopper? Photo by Edgar Soto on Unsplash Forever’s Best Friend Diamonds have long been considered one of the ultimate symbols of love and devotion – both girl’s and world alike. Forming deep within Earth’s surface at least 150 km below, these gems take millions of years to form under intense heat and pressure conditions. Unlike other gemstones they only contain one element – carbon. Their resilience combined…
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Stay and Play on North Mountain with Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Photo, story by Cassie Hepler (unless noted otherwise) Just 10 minutes from my house in North Phoenix sits Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, nestled back onto North Mountain and tucked away where no one would know just how massive this place truly is… 450 acres of desert! Now that I’m dealing with an elderly cat, I have to constantly think about giving her medication every 8-10 hours and with this staycation it was easy to swing home, dose her and leave again (even if she left me a how she feels about me being gone present on the door mat). Built in 1982, the Spanish Mediterranean architecture is flanked by…
