What I'm Loving In March

Here's what's making March a happy month for me.

For starters, it's not February

Ottawa had one of it's coldest, snowiest months in recorded history and our famous Rideau Canal (aka the world's longest skating rink) also skated it's way in to the record books -it's been open for more consecutive days than ever before. But I'd be just as happy if didn't excel quite so much at winter - merely being adequate at winter would suit me just fine. We've been put through our paces this season and I think we're all anxious for spring.

Connecting with friends again at Travel Massive

Ryan and I are the organizers of the Ottawa branch of Travel Massive (an international meet-up that brings together travel bloggers, writers, and industry folks for nights of socializing and enrichment). It's always a fun time when we get together and we were long over due for an event - traveling all the time is an occupational hazard! Our late February event at the Ottawa Marriott was fantastic. As you can see, everyone had an amazing time and I can't wait for the next event.

Quilts

Is there anything nicer than curling up under a homemade quilt to read? I just spent a lazy Sunday doing just that (The Other Boleyn Girl, since you asked). And I'm really hoping that our bedrooms during our Hawaii stay might be furnished with real Hawaiian quilts. I'm lucky enough to have several beautiful and well loved quilts from family members here at home and I wish more travel accommodations did the same. (The amazing quilt art above comes from the National Gallery of Canada on the top left and the Saginaw art gallery).

Trading in one sunset for another

Ottawa does have gorgeous sunsets, despite our winter weather, but I'm looking forward to seeing some in Hawaii! That's where travel is taking us this month and I can't wait! It's more than just the warm weather - there are so many incredible things to see and do in Hawaii (not to mention the great people) that it's the perfect home-away-from-home to work in.

Sharing the contents of my mind (scary!) for SWOTC

When I was asked to speak at the Southwest Ontario Tourism Conference on "Inside the mind of a travel blogger" I was hesitant at first - we all know the kind of nonsense that fills my head! Coffee and cookies anyone?! Fortunately, I was able to cover this up as I spoke to about how tourism boards and private partners can work with bloggers - how to determine your needs, how to find a blogger who's a good fit, how to make sure the collaboration goes smoothly. It was a pleasure to be part of such a dynamic panel and it was great to talk about a different side of my work.

Hanging out with a rock star astronaut 

Okay, so I didn't technically hang out with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield but I WAS front and centre to listen to his presentation (and many others) at a Canada 2020 event to talk about 5 big ideas for Canada. He was a wonderful speaker and so inspiring - and I'm fired up for great things in March!

In case you missed it, here's what January 2015 and February 2015 were like.

Tell me about your March. What's making you happy and what are you looking forward to?