Topkapi Palace: The Luxurious Lives of the Sultans

Once the center of the Roman Empire, Istanbul is the only country that occupies two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus River.  Originally…

Seeking Holy Wisdom in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

My first visit to Istanbul was on a summer girl’s trip.  Our plans were to start out in Istanbul, Turkey, explore the beautiful coast and…

Ramadan in Istanbul, Our First Day in Photos

Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey, Ramadan 2013 A beautiful fountain as we exited the Istanbul airport Our first look at the Bosporus River Roman Ruins throughout…

A Girl’s Trip to Turkey and Greece: Arriving in Istanbul

It was June and my best friend, Melissa was trying to put together a girl’s trip to Turkey and Greece.  She had spent last summer…

Chateau Laroche, A Labor of Passion

My fairytale adventure began at the entrance of Chateau Laroche in Loveland, Ohio.  Locally known as Loveland Castle, this medieval mansion was an amazing labor…

Featured Ohio Winery: Markko Vineyard

Conneaut is about as far northeast as one could possibly drive in the state of Ohio.  It is also home to one of the oldest…

Featured Ohio Winery: Soine Vineyards

Update:  Soine Vineyards is now R&S Vineyards Ten minutes north of Powell, Ohio is is one of the state’s original wineries, Soine Vineyards.  Family-owned and…

The Monticello III, Coshocton, Ohio

A short distance from Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio is a pathway leads to a canal.  Once a waterway where goods were transported between Lake…

Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio

I had recently visited the Ohio River Museum in Marietta, learning about the riverboat transports along the Ohio River, when I decided to make the…

Guggisberg Cheese in Amish County, Ohio

On our way to Guggisberg Cheese Inn in Holmes County, Ohio, we noticed several beautiful Amish countryside scenes.  From horse and buggy rides to working…