We finally checked out the Dallas World Aquarium, and wow—it’s part zoo, part rainforest, part “whoa, that thing could eat me.” From flamingos and owls to crocs, tarantulas, and even tiny frogs that pack poison, it was unforgettable. We capped it off with dumplings at Jeng Chi in Richardson—because no adventure is complete without food.
Travel
Florence by BMW: Dodging Tourists and Surviving the ZTL Zone
We drove our BMW X4 from Panzano in Chianti into the heart of Florence and survived the notorious ZTL zone. Spoiler: it felt like a Bond car chase through a Renaissance painting… at 5 mph.
A Thrilling 532km Drive from Agropoli to Chianti: Twists, Turns & Tuscan Dreams
We drove 532 km from Agropoli to Panzano in Chianti in a SIXT-rented BMW X4 xDrive 20d—navigating twisting Tuscan roads and hilltop villages. Stunning views, thrilling corners, and one unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.
The Best Airbnb Experience We’ve Ever Had — A Dream Stay in Panzano in Chianti
We thought the photos were stunning, but nothing could have prepared us for how magical this villa in Panzano in Chianti truly was. With incredible views, thoughtful design, and an amazing host, this was easily the best Airbnb experience we’ve ever had.
Dinner in Panzano: Spritzes, Pasta, and a 56-Page Wine List We Didn’t Touch
A relaxed 7 PM dinner at Enoteca Baldi in Panzano in Chianti turned into one of our favorite evenings in Tuscany. Great pasta, crisp Aperol spritzes, and a wine list so long… we didn’t even try. Sometimes, simplicity really is perfect.
Driving Tuscany: A Morning Spin in the BMW X4 xDrive 20D
What was meant to be a quick 80-minute spin through the Chianti hills turned into a two-hour adventure filled with wrong turns, choke points, and classic Tuscan charm. The BMW X4 xDrive 20D never missed a beat—and the GoPro caught every glorious moment.
A Tuscan Villa Dinner to Remember with Private Chef Giacomo Petri 🍷🍑🥩
An unforgettable evening of fine dining under the Tuscan sky, complete with farm-fresh ingredients, incredible wines, and the warm hospitality of private organic chef Giacomo Petri and his assistant Sara.
A Day at Barlotti: Water Buffalo, Mozzarella & a Taste of Campania
Our visit to Barlotti farm in Paestum was a perfect blend of rustic charm, tradition, and culinary magic. From curious baby water buffalo to fresh mozzarella and buffalo milk hazelnut gelato, here’s why it became one of our favorite memories in southern Italy.
From Coastline to Cliffhangers: Our Thrilling Drive from Agropoli to Ostigliano
A twisting 28 km ride through Campania’s wild heart—from sun-soaked coast to hilltop village. One part sightseeing, two parts survival, and a whole lot of Italian drama.
In the Footsteps of Liz’s Great-Great-Grandmother
A quiet hillside village in southern Italy became something much more than a stop on our road trip — it became a doorway into Liz’s family history. We wandered the stone alleys of Ostigliano, where her great-great-grandmother was born, and found beauty, stillness, and connection in every corner.
At MaverickPCA Concours with My Racing Yellow Boxster
A rainy day couldn’t stop the shine—my Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 took home Best in Class at the 2025 MaverickPCA Concours. Here’s a recap and some well-earned shoutouts.
A Quiet Morning with the Sense of Beauty at SMU Meadows Museum
We spent a peaceful morning at the Meadows Museum at SMU exploring The Sense of Beauty exhibit and other collections that celebrate strong women, quiet moments, and timeless landscapes. From Leighton’s Flaming June to evocative portraits and maritime scenes, this visit was a reflection on the many forms beauty can take.
A Relaxing Country Drive Through Prosper, Valley View, Pilot Point, and Aubrey
Join me as I map out a relaxing scenic drive through Prosper, Valley View, Pilot Point, and Aubrey—a perfect North Texas route for car enthusiasts looking to enjoy quiet backroads, small-town charm, and wide-open skies. Can’t wait to hit the road soon and see where it takes me!
A Day at the John Faires House — Liz Brings History to Life at Chestnut Square
Liz spent the day as a docent at the historic John Faires House at Chestnut Square in McKinney, TX, sharing stories, welcoming visitors, and bringing Texas history to life in this beautifully preserved 1854 home.
Chasing Sunshine: A Texas Countryside Drive in My Racing Yellow Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0
There’s nothing quite like a perfect morning behind the wheel of a great car — and today delivered just that. With clear skies, temperatures in the low 70s, and a light breeze, it was the ideal day to drop the top on my Racing Yellow 718 Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0 and head out for a…
Stepping Into History at the George W. Bush Presidential Library 🇺🇸
We had such a great time visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas! Honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be way more interesting and fun than we imagined. Right from the start, the place pulls you in with powerful moments from recent history, interactive exhibits,…
BoatyBall, Morning Scrambles, and a Hint of Nostalgia in the BVI
There’s a certain adrenaline rush that kicks in around 6:59 AM in the British Virgin Islands. If you know, you know. That’s when the daily BoatyBall reservation frenzy begins. At precisely 7:00 AM, dozens—sometimes hundreds—of skippers across the BVI hammer the refresh button on their phones or tablets, all vying for a coveted mooring ball…
Exploring Eisenhower State Park: Muddy Boots, Scenic Views, and a Bit of Adventure! 🚶♂️🌿🚴♀️
In early March, Liz and I took a short drive over to Eisenhower State Park in Denison, Texas—about an hour away. We’ve been here before but wanted to get outside and explore somewhere close to home. 🌳🚗 After checking in at the entrance and flashing our annual pass, we headed straight to the last parking…
GUE Tech Training Adventure | Cayman Islands Dive with Pat Nolan & Alex Cena
Exploring the Edge: A Deep Dive into GUE Tech 1 Training There’s something transformative about plunging into the silent blue—where discipline meets wonder, and where each breath is part of a carefully calculated plan. Join Pat Nolan and Alex Cena as they embark on the first part of their GUE Tech 1 training journey under…
Starlink Mini at the Beach – Staying Connected in Paradise 🌴📡🍹
I had my Starlink Mini set up at Cooper Island Beach Club (CIBC) in the BVI, and it worked flawlessly. While CIBC does offer WiFi, it’s only available at the rum bar—meaning there’s no internet access at the main restaurant, on the beach, or anywhere else open to the public. That’s why I always bring…