Globetrotter, Blogtrotting

Have you spent time in Australia, Taiwan, Argentina, Slovakia, Russia, and Luxembourg? No? Me neither. Today's BlogTrotting tour guide can answer "yes." She's a true globetrotter!

Originally from the suburbs of Columbus, OH, The Expatresse of thebeetgoeson now resides in Luxembourg.

Let's go get a glimpse of her life in Luxembourg . . .

thebeetgoeson

Please leave The Expatresse a comment to let her know you stopped by!

Come back Monday for Minnesota!

Fly In To San Juan Capistrano

We're visiting Traci in San Juan Capistrano, California today! I have always loved the story of the swallows of San Juan Capistrano. Each year, the little cliff swallows fly 6,000 miles to Argentina to spend their winter and then return on March 19th to their summer home at the mission. According to legend, they took sanctuary in the mission to avoid an angry innkeeper who destroyed their nests and found it to be so hospitable, they've been coming back ever since.

Looking at some of Traci's photos, I can completely understand why. Her slice of California is a dream. Beautiful architecture, amazing landscapes and a boatload of history. So let's head on over to see her!

Serena Vida

Please leave Traci a comment and let her know the BlogTrotters have been through town!

We're off on another BIG trip tomorrow and you definitely won't want to miss it, so rest up and stop back in first thing!

Grand Ole Opry Town

When I was maybe in fourth grade or so, my dad had to go to a convention at the Opryland Hotel and decided to bring the whole family. Our vacation was at Opryland that year and I remember thinking that the park was cool and that the hotel was maybe the coolest place I'd ever seen. A lifelong lover of country music, I've been back twice since and think Nashville rocks!

So does today's blogtrotting tour guide, Christy from Just Thinkin'. Christy describes herself as as a "mom who thinks too much." How many moms out there can relate to that description!?

Let's go check out Nashville with Christy . . .

Just Thinkin'

Please leave Christy a comment to let her know you visited. If you've been to Nashville, let her know and also let her know what corner of the world you call home.

Come back tomorrow for a trip to the O.C. -- don't be afraid, I don't think Vicky from The Real Housewives will be there!

Buckeye Blogger

When I was growing up, it was a family Christmas tradition to have chocolate covered peanut butter balls. We always just called them Peanut Butter Balls, having no idea that they had a fancier name. A name that relates to our destination today. As it turns out, those treats are called Buckeyes. And Ohio is known as the Buckeye state. While I'm betting that its not because of the treats, whenever I hear that term, that is what I think of.

Our featured blogger, Mike, is a born and bred Clevelander. He has a fantastic picture of the skyline at the top of his blog and he is going to give us the kind of tour that only a lifelong resident could. And maybe if we're lucky, he'll put out some Buckeye's for us!

Let's head on over to see him!

Golch Central

Please leave Mike a comment and let him know what corner of the world you call home.

In Da Casa

When I was fourteen, I and another friend went on a roadtrip with my best friend and her family to a wedding in Dallas. We lived in Kansas, so it was an 8 hour drive, plus or minus 42 stops for potty breaks, there were SIX girls in the car after all. While we were there, we did all of the touristy things: went to Six Flags, visited the Galleria Mall, ate at Hard Rock Cafe. It was the only trip I ever took as a kid with another family, without my own parents, and it was truly a great experience. We three girls, on the precipice of maturity, but still with the joy of children. I think because of that, Dallas will always be a special place for me.

Our featured blogger, Joanna, lives in the DFW area with Laid Back Daddy and her two beautiful daughters, The Diva and The Drama Queen. More twins. Seriously, people. Does anyone not have multiples? I'm starting to feel left out.

Whether you have multiples or not, you'll love hearing Joanna's tales of life in Texas. Let's head on down to see her:

The Casa

Please leave her a comment and let her know the BlogTrotters have been through town!

Moscow -- For "Real" This Time!

Do you remember back a couple of months ago when we featured Natalie from Moscow here, and I was all confused because I was expecting to introduce a blog from Russia not Idaho?

Now, I'm not saying that Moscow in Idaho is any less real than Moscow in Russia, but I am saying that today's BlogTrotting tour is in Moscow, the far away and Russian one.

I've had a sneak peek at today's post and loved it! Our witty tour guide is Jennifer, an American who has been living in Russia for the past seventeen years and now splits time between Massachusetts and Moscow. Fittingly, her blog is titled Dividing My Time. You will LOVE the glimpse of life in Russia that her post offers and will then want to start reading all her posts. That's what I'm set to do when I finish writing this introduction.

Ready then? Let's go to Moscow!

Dividing My Time: Finding the Funnier Side of Life in Russia

Pretty please leave a comment for Jennifer to let her know you stopped by!

Get rested this weekend as our travels resume on Monday!

Louisiana Bound

We're off to visit Elaine in Lafayette, Louisiana today! I've always had a soft spot for Louisiana. Just the name makes me happy. Lucky for me, one of my best friends lives in New Orleans, so I have a reason to visit there. But it's been a few years, so I'm going to have to get my Louisiana fix from Elaine.

Let's head on over to see her:

The Miss Elaine-ous Life

We all love 'em, so please leave Elaine a comment! She worked hard to put together a great post for the BlogTrotters, so let her know how much we appreciate the effort.

Come back tomorrow, we're off on another BIG trip. I, for one, can't wait to see what tomorrow's featured blogger has in store for us!

Cloudy with a Chance of . . .

Adventure! Today's BlogTrotting tour guide moved with her husband and two boys to rural Alaska from Washington just over a year ago. Gutsy, eh?

Curious about life in rural Alaska? I know I am and the photographs I've glimpsed on the blog so far are amazing!

Get your fleece and coat back out of the closet and join Trish of Life is an adventure . . . this is ours for a tour of life in Dillingham, Alaska.

Life is an adventure . . . this is ours.

Please leave Trish a comment to let her know you stopped by! Come back tomorrow, okay? We're heading South!

Quelle Surprise! Nous Allons Aujourd'hui a Gatineau!

(That means: What a surprise! We're going to Gatineau today!)

We're visiting Amy in Gatineau, Quebec today. As a francophile and one-time French major in college, Quebec has always been of special interest to me as they have a significant French-speaking population. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, French is the official language there.

I have always been intrigued by the distinctly European atmosphere the province exudes, nestled as it is in the northeastern region of Canada. I can't wait to see what Amy has in store for us!

Muddy Boots

Please leave a comment for Amy! We're staying in the north country for our BlogTrot tomorrow, so don't forget to come back and visit.

My Old Kentucky Home

One of the girls who lived down the hall from me freshman year in college was from Louisville, KY. Her roommates used to give her a hard time because one of her main flirting moves at parties was to give guys lessons on how to pronounce "Louisville." Growing up in a state bordering Kentucky (Ohio), I am proud to say that I can also pronounce Louisville pretty close to the way the natives there do, but I can't figure out how to translate that pronunciation into print so you'll just have to take my word for it.

Today's Louisville-based blogger is Dianna of The Kennedy Adventures, Catholic mother of teenager and toddlers (all beautiful kids, by the way--check out the photos!). I am totally inspired by this quotation from her header: "We may not have it all together; but together, we have it all." Hear, hear!

Let's go to Louisville . . .

The Kennedy Adventures

Please leave a comment to let Dianna know you stopped by and don't forget to come back again tomorrow for more blogtrotting!

New Views of New Zealand!

I confess that the extent of my knowledge about New Zealand is gleaned from the movies. Specifically, from the amazing landscapes that were captured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. And they were AMAZING. I just can't imagine waking up and seeing that kind of scenery every single day.

But lucky Bettyl does! A midwestern girl, she moved from Chicago to New Zealand and has been enjoying it ever since. She has amazing photographs and tales of her adopted country, including some of the interesting cultural differences she has encountered. So head on over to see her:

New Views Of New Zealand

Please leave Bettyl a comment! Have a great weekend! Come back Monday, we're heading back to the US and we'll be visiting a state that knows a thing or two about a horse.

Politicians and Poopie Diapers

We're off today for a visit with Wife and Mommy. She's in the populous Washington DC suburbs in northern Virginia, so she gets the best of both worlds: all of the culture of our nation's capitol and the family friendly atmosphere of the 'burbs. Let's head on over to see her:

Wife and Mommy

Don't forget to leave a comment and tell her what corner of the world you call home! We've got a BIG trip planned for tomorrow, so rest up!

I Like Florida in the Springtime

Mine was one of the thousands of families that sojourned (by van, of course) from Ohio to Florida every April for spring break. As a result, I always associate Florida with Easter candy, the month of April, and happy memories with family and friends.

Florida is a place to escape the "everyday world" for some and is, in fact, the "everyday world" for others. I love learning more about real life in Florida. How about you?

Today's tour guide is Denise. As the name of her blog implies, she's go go go. In her words, "some days are a blur." Let's join her in Land O' Lakes, Florida . . .

Run DMT

Please leave Denise a comment to let her know you stopped by and share any of your own Florida memories.

Stay tuned for more Blogtrotting tomorrow!

Lettuce Visit Yuma!

As we move into the nicer months in my part of the country, the folks in Elizabeth's are bracing for the hot desert summer. But hot as it is, there are still a lot of really wonderful things to do there: festivals, restaurants, parks and historical sites. And hey, Mexico is RIGHT THERE!

Elizabeth put together an awesome post all about her town, so head on over to see her: 

Our Journey Through LIFE!

We all love 'em, so please leave Elizabeth a comment! Come back tomorrow, we're heading to another state that is known for their sunny weather and palm trees.

There's No Place Like Oconomowoc!

We're off to visit Lynn in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin today. Lynn is a talented photographer with a fantastic eye for capturing amazing shots.

And she has some gorgeous landscapes to capture. The natural beauty of Wisconsin is unparalleled. So head on over to see her:

Lynn's Life

Remember the love you give is the love you get, so please leave her a comment and let her know what corner of the world you call home.

Have you signed up to host your own tour?

The Winner Is...

That's Julie of Brainella the Librarian!

Congratulations Julie!

Email me (carawb@gmail.com) your address and we'll get your Rachel Ray Bakeware out to you asap!

Thanks again to everyone that entered.

Need For Speed

Our destination today is Meridien, Idaho. We're visiting a self-professed "southern California gal trapped in Idaho." She and her family are all about speed, be it cars, carts or boats. They love the outdoors, and I'm pretty sure there is plenty of gorgeous scenery in Idaho. So head on over to see her:

Clark Motorsports

Be sure to leave Jodyjo a comment and let her know what part of the world you call home. Tomorrow, get ready for some tumbleweeds and roadrunners because we're hitting the American southwest.

**Our Rachel Ray bakeware giveaway ends today at 5pm EST! Have you entered to win?? Well, get to it!**

NOT Like The Movie

We're visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico today! According to our featured blogger, Robyn, it actually is a part of the United States. I'm not so sure, though, Mexico IS in the name. I suspect a plot by the New Mexicans to infiltrate American society for nefarious purposes. Like finding out the top secret recipe to the famous Big Mac special sauce.

Keep your eye on 'em, is all I'm saying.

Robyn has a great story behind the name of her blog. And she has some awesome tutorials for her fantastic sewing projects. She's funny and creative and totally the kind of gal I would want to hang out with, so head on over to see her:

Additional Jesus

Be sure to leave Robyn a comment! We want her to know the BlogTrotters have been through town! Tomorrow we're heading to the northwest, so get ready for some outdoorsy good times.

**Have you entered our Rachel Ray bakeware giveaway?? You have until Friday at 5pm EST to enter.**

South of the Mason Dixon

We're visiting Mindy in western Maryland today! I live in eastern Maryland. Baltimore, to be exact, but we visit western Maryland regularly. It's a beautiful, hilly place. It is full of small town charm and rugged natural wonders.

But I'll leave it to Mindy to tell you all about it. So head on over to see her at:

Mooneyequalsmc2

Be sure to leave Mindy a comment and let her know the BlogTrotters have been to town! Tomorrow, we're heading back west to a place where it is illegal to give a box of candy larger than 50 pounds to another citizen. Crazy, right?

**Have you entered our Rachel Ray bakeware giveaway?? You have until Friday at 5pm EST to enter.**

Batting A Thousand

Today we're visiting Sharon in Cooperstown, New York. I love the tag line for her blog: Learning to live abundantly. It speaks volumes and is so relevant for so many of us in this crazy world.

I've never visited upstate New York myself, but I hear it's amazing. If you can take the insane winters. I'm a cold weather person, so no problem for me! Sharon is going to show us all the wonderful things there are to see in her town, so head on over to see her:

Good, True and Beautiful

Be sure to leave Sharon a comment! Tomorrow we're heading back down to my neck of the woods. 

**Have you entered our Rachel Ray bakeware giveaway??**

PS - Our girl Mep gave birth to a beautiful baby girl yesterday! She just got a post up with a scrumptious picture of new baby Sweet P, so if you have a chance head on over to her blog to wish her well!

Reading a Masterpiece

I am a big reader, as is my blogging partner Mep. We can tear through some books. Between the two of us, we do our best to conquer the literary contributions of authors of all stripes. So today's featured blog is right up our alley.

Shanyn's blog is all about books, and in particular YA (Young Adult) books, which is a particular addiction of mine. I am especially interested to see how she introduces us to her hometown, Big Rapids, Michigan! So head on over to see her:

Chick Loves Lit

Please leave Shanyn a comment and let her know the BlogTrotters have been to town! Tomorrow we're heading east. A hint: It is home to America's pastime.

**Have you entered our Rachel Ray bakeware giveaway?? It ends Friday at 5pm.**

Giveaway!!!!! Bake Your Own Adventure!

Greetings BlogTrotters --

Today is your lucky day! Queen of BlogTrotting, CaraBee, was approached with a giveaway opportunity by CSN Stores, a collection of online stores featuring everything from kids beds to modern furniture to cookware.

Cara and I thought that this two-piece Stoneware baker set by Rachael Ray would be the perfect giveaway to match the spirit of BlogTrotting.

Bakeware and BlogTrotting? Well, Rachael likes to travel and explore and then recreate the foods, memories, and experiences of her travels in her own kitchen. As BlogTrotters, we are able to travel and explore without leaving our own homes and the convenient snacking opportunities of our own kitchens. Tell me you see the connection!

So, here's how you can enter to win this fabulous two-piece stoneware Rachael Ray baker set from CSN stores. Multiple entries are allowed so long as you complete step one!

1. Leave a comment on this post where you mention your favorite BlogTrotting destinations so far. If you need to get caught up, see the past features link above! Step #1 is required before any extra entries count!

2. Sign up to follow BlogTrotting. If you're already a follower, tell us so in a separate comment.

3. Blog about this giveaway and link to your post in a comment.

4. Sign up to follow @BlogTrotting1 on Twitter and let us know you did so in a comment.

5. Leave NEW comments on the posts for at least three previous BlogTrotters that you have not visited before. Tell who/where in a comment.

6. Sign up to be a BlogTrotting tour guide. Let us know you did it in a comment. If you've already been a tour guide, you can leave a comment telling us that too!

This giveaway will end next Friday, April 9th at 5:00 p.m. EST. Regrets to our international BlogTrotters, but this giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents.

See you back here on Monday for more BlogTrotting!

Busy as a Beehive

We're off to Utah today to visit another multiple mom. (Is there something in the water?) In addition to her six month old twin boys, Sonora also has a nearly five year old and a two year old. Can you say OOF?! I feel overwhelmed with my one insanely active 2 1/2 year old. But reading her posts, she stays so upbeat and is so helpful with information about life with twins.

In this respect, among many others, I think it is a wonderful thing to live in this age of digital communication. To be able to reach out to a community of parents that have been through what you're going through and can support you in your journey. Imagine living 100 years ago and having twins and not knowing what to expect, or how to deal with the challenges they present. Hallelujah for the internet, friends! So let's make use of this here marvel of modern technology and visit Sonora:

To Twinfinity and Beyond!

Please leave her a comment and let her know what corner of the world you call home! We have an extra special surprise for tomorrow (no foolin'!), and trust me you won't want to miss it, so be sure to stop by!