I just got back from the best time - experiencing Ireland with a group of 15 friends (old & new)! We had so much fun getting to know each other, sharing some pints (and chocolate, those Cadbury treats were my jam), and learning more about the long struggles the Irish have endured over the centuries.
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This year, I purchased a 4th grade pass for EV so that we could go snowboarding together. We finally got a chance to use it for the first time this month - there just hadn't been much snow until now! She gave it a good try and has said she would try again another day - now we just need to find another time to go when there is still snow on the ground and the weather isn't too frigid!
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This month has been busy, busy, busy for me with new trip inquiries flying in! But it's important to take time to check out the craziness that is Minnesota culture so that's just what the kids and I did on Sunday: we experienced the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival for the first time.
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I'm calling this year a big SUCCESS!
My business has continued to grow and I couldn't have done it without the travelers who've trusted me with their itineraries, the many fabulous referrals, and the positive reviews that have been left for me.
I'm so excited to see what 2025 brings, but before I do, let's take a look at what 2024 had in store…
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As I take the day to celebrate and recharge, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. Your trust in me to help craft your travel experiences means the world to me, and it’s truly a gift I treasure. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey—it’s an honor I don’t take lightly.
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To own a small business is no easy feat, and even the most dedicated entrepreneur cannot do it alone: we need stupendous clients to make our dreams work. So in this season of thankfulness and gratitude, please know: I am so thankful for you and your continued support of my business.
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Mid-month, I attended the European Travel Agent Forum in the Azores (a Portuguese island chain in the Atlantic). First of all - if you haven't been here, it was BEA-U-TI-FUL. It reminded me of a cross between Hawaii (there are 9 islands here and each is a little bit different with different charm) and Ireland (lots of quaint farms with cows roaming, and very green). I only got to explore one island, Terceira, but some of my colleagues went on to see 2 or 3 others, and their pictures and stories were amazing. If you're looking to check this island chain off your bucket list, I'd recommend planning to travel in the summer months, when weather is warmest and there's the most activities going on.
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This month I joined my colleagues in travel at an annual conference in Funner, CA, and it was indeed Fun! But more importantly, I was able to connect with tour operators and travel suppliers, network with my friends and colleagues, and win a Monarch Agency award!
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Not only is it my birthday month (yay! happy birthday to me!), but it is also the month we head up to the cabin for a family weekend and the one in which the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival begin! So much fun in just one month!
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We loved the city we used to live in, Robbinsdale, as it always felt like a small town right in the big city. Because of how much we still love it, not only is Experience Culture Travel in the Robbinsdale Chamber of Commerce, but we also love going to Robbinsdale for their Whiz Bang Days celebrations every July! One of our favorite aspects of the celebrations is the parade. It is one of the last pieces of Whiz Bang Days and occurs at 3pm on Sunday. We've hardly ever missed one!
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Summer's kicked off and we're off to a good start. Last summer was the first summer where I had the kids home with me full time, and it got a little chaotic by the end. So, in light of that, this summer I made a daily schedule to try to keep a bit or order (while still allowing for a lot of fun)! One item on the list that I think will be good for everyone is cleaning the house - each person (me, EV, and Malcolm) has a designated hour of cleaning in the morning before being able to play with friends.
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With sun and warm weather, the Browns love to bike! (Minus Dad, who doesn't enjoy biking.) This summer, our goal is to average about 25 miles per week. EV is a great biker, has already done a 10-miler day this year, and is fully onboard for the goal. Malcolm hasn't yet learned to ride a bike, so he sits in the trailer and on trails will get out and very speedily scooter for a ways.
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This month we celebrated EV's birthday with some of her favorite things: cats, bowling, cake, and presents! She's been into learning origami recently, but didn't have any square shaped paper (meaning I had to help cut precise squares out of normal rectangular paper) so she got some real origami paper as one of her presents.
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2024 has hit us a little harder than most years do - with ER visits, family medical scares, and now our beloved cat, Ptolemy, has crossed the rainbow bridge. It was quite unexpected - he hadn't shown signs of feeling unwell until just last week, but his illness was so great that we were faced with the difficult decision to help him pass to end his suffering.
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Last month EV broke her arm so we "enjoyed" the emergency room and orthopedic appointments. This month brought me back to the hospital as my dad has had some health issues of late, one of which required him to go in for diagnostics (Malcolm and I kept him company for most of one of the days he was there). Hopefully none of my clients felt any type of interruption in the services I provide, but in case you were wondering, life has been a bit hectic for me as of late!
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Last month was the month of clearing out water damage from our basement, and this month started off with a bang - literally! My 8 year old, EV, tripped and fell and broke her wrist on the 1st. She's in a cast now for about 4 weeks, but unfortunately has to wait another 4 weeks to enjoy her gymnastics class again safely.
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As I take a moment to reflect, I want to thank you for your support and especially thank all of you who have used me to book and plan your travels this year!
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This year I took off from new trip inquiries for a couple weeks to ensure I had plenty of time to do holiday activities with my family. The kids and I enjoyed making 6 different types of cookies/treats to give out as gifts to some friends, family, and neighbors - and all were gluten free and dairy free (aside from butter, which my kids tolerate).
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Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the States, and a perfect time to stop and reflect on what I'm thankful for both personally as well as professionally.
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October is one of my favorite times of the year (obviously second to August and the State Fair) because it means family costuming for Halloween! We always try to come up with handmade/homemade costumes, where we can find thrift store treasures to complete our outfits. Typically, my husband also participates, but one of his favorite bands is playing in concert on Halloween proper this year, so he got the boot... this time.
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