What better way to explore all of the beauty Carson Valley has to offer than to have a bird's eye view? Lake Tahoe Balloons. How can something be thrilling and peaceful all at the same time? It's an unique experience like no other.

I came to this country as a 5-year-old little girl with just my small suitcase...

When sunny skies meet mirrors and metal, the Chicago architecture pops before it melts into the clouds.

How to dine Basque style means understanding what kind of food is prepared and served, it's understanding the traditions of how it emerged here in America. Basque is a region in Europe, but before I enjoy my first meal, I wanted to understand the full experience of how to dine Basque style. What is a Basque meal and what do I need to know? I'm dining at the JT Basque Bar and Restaurant in Carson Valley, Nevada for my first Basque meal, but I shared my first meal with Marie-Louise Lekumberry, to learn how to dine Basque Style at the restaurant she owns and runs with her brother, which has been passed down through the family and has it's own unique history and energy.

Any reason to travel and I am all on board. I have my life list, which shows my must-see locations and must-do activities, but actually, I am happy to travel anywhere to explore. I even believe strongly in exploring locally. No matter where you are, make sure to see something new. It is easy to capture something extraordinary, but the key to true joy is finding something extraordinary in all the things that seem ordinary.

A photo gallery of my travels driving across the country from Illinois to Phoenix. Editor...