Category Archives: Life

Ways I Save Money for Travel

by Wendy
Trying to save more money for travel? I love reading about the different methods people use to budget for vacations and trips, but am surprised by the strident tone some authors take on the subject. Personal finance is…well, personal, and the practicality and importance of travel varies for every person and every budget. Here are a few ways that Jack and I save money for travel – but note that it’s what works for us, personally. We’re a couple with no kids, both working full-time jobs. We agree that travel is a high priority but one that must be balanced with the expense of everyday life in a big city. We splurge on some things, save on others, and try to plan ahead. I’m not being Judge Judgerson if your approach is different. Continue reading →

Weekend R&R (Repairs and Recreation)

by Wendy
We had a great weekend recently, when Dad (Joe) traveled to DC to help us tackle labor-intensive home repairs. It was impressive to see what Jack and Dad accomplished in a matter of days. They’re both hard workers and work well together. Both have a calm presence that is reassuring to me (important when large chunks of your ceiling are suddenly missing). Not only did we save money going the do-it-yourself route, but it was fun! Home repairs can be stressful – but staying relaxed and leaving time for recreation makes all the difference. Continue reading →

Postcard from Winter

by Wendy
Jack took this great photo a couple of weeks ago. There are still traces of the snow around the city, and it’s been really cold. More flurries may be on the way this weekend. Winter wonderland, right? All is well, just trying to get back into the blogging habit when it feels like my creative ideas are in hibernation. Hoping to break the ice soon. Stay warm and safe!

The Joy of January

by Wendy
The title is sarcastic. January has got to be one of the most frustrating months to face. It begins by taking down the Christmas tree that’s kept us company for several weeks. Losing that warm glow of holiday lights can make the house feel so bare. Going back to work after enjoying time off, getting back on the scale, facing colder temperatures, trying to find a new dentist because of changed insurance plans…January is a rough wake-up call. And then a blizzard messes with your travel plans. I’m all for being positive and focusing on blessings but sometimes, it’s comforting to complain about dumb stuff as you get back into your game. Do you have the January blues? Has any of this happened to you recently? We can wallow for awhile together. Continue reading →

One Year Blog Anniversary

January 2015 marked the launch of Looks and Leaps. Our blog may not be the fanciest, but we are proud that we’ve learned to develop and operate it ourselves. We write our own content and take our own photos. We showcase different perspectives on travel, fashion and other fun topics from Looks and Leaps family members. It has been a fun collaborative and creative space and we encourage other families to give it a try!

On our one-year anniversary, a special thank you to everyone who reads our blog! Thank you to all contributors! Thanks to all who took the time to send a (non-spam) comment, and to those relatives and friends who have shared kind words! Read on for some fun facts/ statistics to date. Continue reading →

There’s a New Mexico

by Joe
Homer Simpson once said while looking at a map of the US, Look Lisa, there’s a NEW Mexico! Well it isn’t new and it ain’t Mexico, but it truly is the Land of Enchantment. My wife and I just returned from an eleven day tour of the state and found it to be one of the most enchanting and geologically diverse states in the Union. The scenery is terrific, the food is fantastic, and the people are proud of their history and way of life. They are Native American, Hispanic and Wild West American all in one friendly, helpful, and gracious hosts.

We had considered going to New Mexico for several years because we had seen photographs and read info on their Balloon Fiesta held every year during the first couple of weeks in October. Which in itself is a great reason to stop in Albuquerque but by far is not the only draw that will float your boat (or balloon in this case). The more I planned for the trip the longer it became. We picked a great time of year as the temperatures are milder and more pleasant in the Fall. The north will see temps warm up in the day to the high 60s/low 70s with lows in the 40s. The south will still be very warm, typically high 80s during the day and the 60s in the evening. The sun shines everyday and the sky is so blue. Basically we spent five and a half days in the north and the same in the south. The half day was a transitional day as we drove from Santa Fe in the north to Las Cruces in the south which is about a five and a half hour drive. Continue reading →

Holiday Baking

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

Don’t you just love to get back from a relaxing, rejuvenating vacation only to find that one of your major appliances in malfunctioning? Nothing kills that post vacation glow like an added home expense.   We ordered a new heating element for our oven that wouldn’t preheat, but unfortunately we got the wrong size.  There was no way we would get a new one in time for the holiday baking frenzy. Luckily, our stove top and broiler still worked. We also have a “babycakes” that helped us to be creative with our treats.  Here’s how we ended up with a house full of sweets even without a working oven!

Continue reading →

Travel and Memory

by Jack
follow me on twitter @jacklhalsey

My dear aunt, a lifelong resident of Perth Amboy, New Jersey passed away earlier this summer. Instead of the traditional funeral, a memorial was organized at her favorite restaurant. Situated on the shank of a bluff overlooking the Raritan Bay, the large picture windows showcased the pastoral shore of Staten Island, just across the water. As the room filled with family and friends and I gazed out over the refurbished waterfront I was struck by the dramatic physical change to the town I had spent my early childhood in. Continue reading →

My Favorite Reads of 2015

by Wendy
A couple of years ago, I realized I was spending a little too much time on CandyCrush and television reruns. So I set a goal of reading at least 12 books a year, kept a list and got back into a habit I didn’t realize how much I missed. As Sunny points out in her excellent post, books inspire trips and provide a window to unfamiliar lifestyles and cultures. When reviewing what I read over the past 12 months, I realized how many are translations or stories that take place in other countries. Reading is in itself a form of travel, and I have loved that aspect since I was a kid. Here are my top favorites from 2015. Not necessarily all published in 2015, but the best ones I happened to read. I haven’t written about books since school, so I’m out of practice. As a result everything below will be brief. Continue reading →

Welcoming Travelers at Home

by Wendy
follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

Jack and I lived in a one bedroom apartment in the heart of DC for about 10 years. Despite the limited space, we always enjoyed hosting family and friends from out of town. I think nearly 20 different guests crashed on our Ikea fold-out sofa in the living room – many during multiple visits over the years. I loved that apartment, but one of the best things about moving to a house is having a designated guest bedroom. Our rowhouse is not big, and everyone still shares a bathroom, but having a real bed and door that closes gives travelers a little more space during longer visits. My sisters April and Sunny and their families are our most frequent visitors, and I love that their kids consider our casa their home away from home. I’m still learning how to be a better hostess, but here is my strategy for making friends and family feel welcome. Continue reading →