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Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is a Midwest based writer & photographer of captivating travel escapades, family foibles, and objective critiques. Living the dream in Iowa; dreaming of living in Ireland.

Chicago for Couples: Explorations in the Windy City

By Jody Halsted February 14, 2019

Chicago for Couples

As my daughters get older and find their own interests, activities, and life outside my orbit, I’ve been trying to focus more on my relationship with my husband. Too often it is easy to let life roll along, day in and day out, a kiss goodbye in the morning, a brief chat over dinner, but […]

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Adults Only, Midwest · Tagged With: Chicago, Couples Getaway

These Photos Will Make You Want to Visit New Orleans at Christmas Time

By Jody Halsted November 7, 2018

Royal Street shop window at Christmas. New Orleans Christmas travel tips.

New Orleans is one of those cities that comes alive during the holidays. Though always a place to laissez les bons temps rouler, the air simply vibrates with celebration in New Orleans at Christmas time. My past Christmas visit was solo, courtesy of the New Orleans CVB, but reliving my trip through the photos really makes me […]

3 Comments · Filed Under: Adults Only, Travel · Tagged With: Christmas, Couples travel, holiday travel

DNA Test Kits: Receiving Your Tests and Preparing Samples

By Jody Halsted August 25, 2018

AncestryDNA and 23andMe DNA test kits

Wondering why I decided to have my DNA tested? Begin here! Though it had been a long time since I took a test I recognized the flutters of nervousness as I opened my  DNA test kits. What would I find out? Did I really want to know? Am I even Irish???? Receiving DNA Test Kits […]

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Genealogy ·

Why I Decided to Have My DNA Tested

By Jody Halsted July 29, 2018

When in Dublin... with Molly Malone. A guide to enjoying Dublin with Kids. Ireland travel tips.

I’m going to honest… people who move forward in life with no questions about the past confuse me. How can you not want to know, to understand, why things and people are the way they are? Is there a reason hidden somewhere in time? What brought me to the point I am today? History? Circumstance? […]

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Genealogy ·

Camping Gear That Does Double Duty in Your Backyard

By Jody Halsted July 10, 2018

Parachute Hammock- camping gear that does double duty

Winter in the Midwest can be long. Really long. So when warm weather finally arrives we like to spend as much time outdoors as we can. For my family that means a lot of camping. But the girls are getting older and their activities, interests, and desire to spend time with friends, keeps us home […]

1 Comment · Filed Under: Camping & RVing, House & Home · Tagged With: backyard, camping gear, summer fun

Things I Wish I had Known Before Visiting the Field Museum

By Jody Halsted April 11, 2018

Sue, the Field Muesum's T-Rex

Originally written 4/11/2011 – Updated 4/12/2018 The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago has earned its reputation as one of the country’s greatest museums- and rightfully so.  But there are just a few things I wish I had known before we visited. Tips for Buying Your Tickets at the Field Museum We visited the […]

19 Comments · Filed Under: Family Travel, Midwest, Reader Favorites, Travel, USA · Tagged With: Chicago, Illinois, Midwest

6 Spring Break Getaways for Your Family

By Jody Halsted February 20, 2018

Bronc Riding at the National Cowgirl Museum, Fort Worth

This post contains affiliate links and a product review. Please know that I only share products that I personally use and really like. Purchases made through this website do not cost you extra, but they do help support the maintenance of Family Rambling. With cabin fever really beginning to set in, it’s no wonder that many families […]

14 Comments · Filed Under: Eastern US, Family Travel, Midwest, South, Travel, USA, Western US · Tagged With: Boston, Fun for Kids, Massachusetts, St. Louis, Texas, Travel Resources

Mix & Match 4 Bullet Journaling Styles to Fit Your Life

By Jody Halsted August 29, 2016

Recommended Bullet Journal Supplies

This is article #8 in the Bullet Journal series. Read the other articles:One–Two –Three – Four – Five – Six – Seven There are lots of different styles of bullet journaling. In fact, it’s a very personal and personalizable way to journal, plan, and keep track of your busy life. Use these styles as a starting point then mix & match to […]

1 Comment · Filed Under: Blogging & Social Media, House & Home ·

Creating a Scrapbook in Your Bullet Journal

By Jody Halsted August 22, 2016

Scrapbook in your Bullet Journal

This is article #7 in the Bullet Journal series. Read the other articles: One–Two –Three – Four – Five – Six Time flies when you’re having fun (or are just plain busy). Sometimes it seems like life is passing us by and it’s hard to look back and remember all the amazing little things that have happened to us even just […]

3 Comments · Filed Under: Blogging & Social Media, House & Home ·

Make Your Bullet Journal as Unique as You Are

By Jody Halsted August 15, 2016

Monthly Spread from my second month of Bullet Journaling.

This is article #6 in the Bullet Journal series. Read the other articles: One –Two –Three – Four – Five The original Bullet Journal is a super simplistic analog system for keeping track of tasks, appointments, and random thoughts. It is an organizational tool and for most of us it is still just that. But because the basic idea is […]

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Blogging & Social Media, House & Home · Tagged With: bullet journal, organization, planner

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