Veronica James's Blog, page 145

How to Help the People of Ecuador

Our hearts are breaking for the people of Ecuador. 

We felt the need to help – and want to share with you what we found in our search of ways to help in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

If you would like to join us, here are five suggestions

Cliff Dwelling on the Past

The Old West is a lot older than gunfights, Tombstones, and Boot Hills.

For our journey back in time, we rode off into the sunset, heading west.

South Central Arizona is generously sprinkled with ancient ruins left behind by the Native Americans of the area… CONTINUE READING >>

We All Deserve a (Spring) Break

Why should kids in school be the only ones to get a break at this time of year?

We can’t think of a reason not to make a break of our own. After the grey and cold of the last few months we should go someplace sunny, fun, and tropical, but not too far away. That sounds like… CONTINUE READING > >

The Dark and the Light Side of Nuremberg, Germany

Most of us know the name Nuremberg, because of the trials held after World War II.

We explored the dark and Nazi side of Nuremberg but, thankfully, discovered ourselves charmed by her light side first.

To understand why the city was so significant in recent history, we had to travel back centuries earlier to learn about Nuremberg’s place as one of the Holy Roman Empire’s most important cities… CONTINUE READING >>

The Inexplicable Sexy Woman Ruins of Peru

Could it be aliens from outer space?

Sacsayhuaman is pronounced very much like sexy woman if the sexy is articulated the way witchy is sung in the song Witchy Woman.

(Which proved easy to implant in our memory banks.)

And there is definitely something witchy about… CONTINUE READING >>

Spring Done Right: Tip-Toeing Through the Tulips at Keukenhof Gardens in Holland

Spring hath sprung!

And no one does Spring like Holland. Join your GypsyNesters in a romp through the largest garden in Europe – the Keukenhof Garden.

What started out as a kitchen garden sporting herbs and veggies had morphed into over six million bulbs exploding into a glorious riot.

And it’s only open for visitors eight weeks out of the year… CONTINUE READING >>

Making Stroopwafel in Holland!

Our new buddy in Holland teaches us all about making our favorite Dutch treat — delicious stroopwafels! See all of our adventures in Holland!

A Caribbean Getaway without Hurting your Wallet

For years we had our very own backyard tropical paradise in the Virgin Islands, so now when the gloom and chill gets us wondering if spring will ever arrive, we can’t help but long for those sun drenched days again.


There’s no better way to beat the winter blues than a visit to the tropics, especially a tropical getaway without spending an arm and a leg…. CONTINUE READING >>

Top 10 Ways to Scare Your Boomerang Kid Out of the House

Ready to “get on with your life” but have an adult kid who needs a little nudge from the nest?

Do you have a Boomerang that seems permanently parked in your basement, and you feel it’s time for your chick to take wing and begin embracing all that life has to offer?

With tongues firmly in cheek, your goofy GypsyNesters have developed some silly (and stealthy) solutions to wink-wink-nudge-nudge even the most stubborn fledgling from the nest — and they may even think it’s their own idea!

10. Greet him at the door naked with a bottle of Viagra and a can of whipped cream and shout, “Honey, I guess we can’t use the kitchen, our baby’s home.”

9. Set his computer so all his …CONTINUE READING >>

Sicilian Plate: Our Foodie Guide to Sicily

Buon appetito!

A highlight of any trip to Sicily is the food, but for those of us who grew up thinking Chef Boyardee represented Italian food, discovering real Italian cuisine can be quite an eye opening experience.

Eating our way through Sicily is a dirty job, but… CONTINUE READING >>