Articles written by Laurie Cirivello

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About me - Laurie Cirivello

I am an avid traveler, photographer and video producer. I have worked professionally in the media production and distribution world for nearly 20 years. My favorite personal projects have involved video travel guides, mini-documentaries about people and their

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Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Tips for visiting Rome: 1 of 12
The Short Roman Holiday: When planning a trip to Italy, many travelers favor itineraries which allow them to experience a number of different cities. A typical 10 day vacation plan may include three or even four different "stops". Rome often tops the list of "must see" Italian destination cities. But with only a few precious ... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Tips for easier travel: 3 of 33
Tips for an Easier Transatlantic JourneyWhile a vacation to Europe can be an exciting proposition, the long, usually overnight journey can leave you arriving in your dream destination in a fog. Most flights to Europe leave one day and arrive bright and early the next morning. There are, however, a number of strategies that ca... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Adoption Adoption: My experiences of being adopted: 4 of 41
The Complete Story: Perspectives from an AdopteeEvery person has a story; unique to them and created out of their personal characteristics, experiences, and connections in the world. I am, for instance, a wife, a mother, and a career woman. I am also an adoptee. For many of us who were adopted during a time when nearly all ad... More..
Travel > Italy A visitor's guide to Florence, Italy: 2 of 15
Small Sights, Charming Wonders: Travel books and vacation planning websites are filled with "must see" landmarks and comprehensive itineraries covering all of the well-known highlights of popular destinations. Florence, Italy, a premiere destination, holds many wonderful, iconic sights and experiences; from Michelangelo's Dav... More..
Travel > Boat Travel & Cruises Cruise travel: Tips for choosing the right cabin: 1 of 7
Deciding on the right cabin for your first cruise ship adventure can be intimidating. Knowing a bit of "cabin vocabulary" can help demystify the process and help you choose your ideal accommodation.Inside, outside, balcony, suite: There are four basic cabin types. The single defining definition of an inside cabin is that it h... More..
Travel > Vacations Defining and enjoying the summer "staycation": 2 of 10
Most communities put great effort into attracting visitors and tourists. When vacationing out-of-town we all use marketing materials, websites and other information resources to plan our special get-away. For an equally fun and memorable summer "staycation" in your own town, you just need to think like a tourist. By approachi... More..
Food & Drink > Food & Drink (Other) The benefits of avocados: 25 of 75
With a nickname like the "Butter Pear", it would be easy to assume that the avocado is best avoided by the health conscious consumer. In reality however, this delicate, creamy fleshed, stone fruit can be a very valuable addition to a nutritious diet.Happy Hearts:Earlier warnings about the high fat content led to the avocado's... More..
Travel > Italy Travel destinations: Venice, Italy: 6 of 18
Ah, Venezia! Venice is one of the most unique travel destinations in the world. Though often considered an expensive city to visit, there are many tips and suggestions that can both reduce stress and save money.Getting around - Water taxis and the Vapporetto: Unlike other world class cities, where local transportation is ofte... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice How to have the most fun in Ireland: 3 of 7
A recent business trip provided me with my first taste of Ireland. But it was a very short trip and I had only a little time to explore the capital city of Dublin. The challenge was to find a fun mix of activities and experiences that would leave me with a rich cultural recollection despite the short time frame.While museum v... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Tips for traveling on a budget: 6 of 13
Everyone likes a "deal". Especially when traveling, discounts and specials can make a big impact on affordability. I admit to being a compulsive shopper when planning travel. Here are a few of the tactics and resources that I have found to lower the price tag and increase the value of our vacations.Traveling in shoulder seaso... More..