Over the years I’ve taken my kids, one at a time, to Iceland, Paris, London, Peru, Hawaii, Kenya, Japan, New York City, and I’m always plotting the next one.

The question I get most is some version of: why don’t you take these trips with your whole family?

Here’s my answer, and I know it sounds like semantics: To me, a vacation is rest. A trip is logistics with a view.

Five people, five sets of interests, a decade-plus of age gaps between the oldest and youngest, and suddenly the most basic decisions of the day turn into small assaults on the nervous system.

“Where should we go to dinner?”

“I don’t want to go to the museum, I want to [fill in the blank].”

“Can’t we just take a taxi? Or the train? Or the subway?” and everyone has an opinion about which.

Sound familiar?

Add in the low-grade sibling friction of too many people in one hotel room, day after day, and you have a formula for trip misery.

Where the one-on-one trip inspo began

When I was 11 years old my mother started this yearly tradition of a 1-on-1 vacation with me or my brother, and to this day it’s one of the memories I treasure most with her. As our primary caregiver, days were busy for her and most likely felt like groundhog day… cooking meals, doing laundry and driving us to school and activities.

When my mom was on vacation she was her very best self. Relaxed. Excited. And aspirational. We would stay at tiny bed and breakfasts in the Cotswolds or one step above a youth hostel in the Swiss Alps, and then one night she would splurge on a fancy hotel or unique experience like high tea.

I knew when I had kids I wanted to offer them one-on-one vacations just like I grew up with. And luckily my husband jumped on the one-on-one vacation train too.

Letting them choose

Sometimes I’ll take a kid somewhere I’ve been to or lived in when I was younger so I can share a special place with them. Other times, we let the kid pick the destination based on their passion or something they’ve been learning about at school. That’s how we ended up ziplining in Costa Rica, which was Kenya’s choice. He begged me for months only for him to freeze at the top on day one, paralyzed with fear. Four hours and plenty of anxiety later, we did it together and will forever have that achievement imprinted in our heads.

We didn’t totally abort the idea of a five person family trip

We figured out a strategy that works for our family. The beach vacation! It’s the one way everyone gets to spread out and do their own thing while being together. But truth be told, I’m a once-a-year-max beach person at best. Two years ago we went to Cabo to a lovely hotel on the ocean and had (close to) a perfect 5 nights and 6 days.

I want my kids to see the world. Every square inch of the beautiful country we live in, and the places beyond it. And the version of travel that actually delivers on that, I’ve realized, isn’t five people compromising toward the lowest common denominator. It’s two people (occasionally three, in our case) hitting the road together.

There’s no right or wrong way to travel as a family. But I’ve found choosing one kid and fully committing to what they want to do, on their timeline, in their way, that’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever given (and also received).

If you want to explore all of the travel blogs from previous vacations you can find them here! And if you’re planning something soon, these are my tried and true items I never travel without.

• Swiss Army Carry-on Suitcase

• Thule Compression Packing Cubes

• Travel Backpack

• Compression Socks

• Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen Stick

• Airplane Foot Hammock

• Portable Neck Fan

One of the gifts of being in mid life is getting to travel with my kids, and hoping the grandparents will join whenever possible. My dad has traveled close to 200 days a year for the past few years and is always up for another adventure. One of his bucket list trips has been to take me and Gemma on a Disney cruise to Alaska. Me? I’d only been to Disneyland and Disney World a couple of times, once as a kid and once as an adult. I’m not one for long lines, and people dressed as characters always freaked my kids out when they were little, so we never took them. The idea of being trapped on a ship with them held little appeal.

I was wrong.

We started our trip by flying a day earlier than our cruise was leaving to enjoy Vancouver as Gemma hasn’t been to Canada, and it’s such a wonderful city. My well traveled friend, Lisa, always rents a bike the second she gets to any city in the world, so we‘ve been adopting that advice recently.

We rented bikes from the shop next to our hotel, the Fairmont Pacific Rim and cruised around for 2 hours. After showering and relaxing in our luxurious rooms, we headed for Nightingale restaurant a block away. A few friends local to the area told me it was delicious and they were so right! Every dish was super interesting and perfect for sharing a bunch of small plates. That night we swam at the hotel and slumbered away!

The next day we ran around the city to check out different neighborhoods and stopped at Granville Island Public Market (the indoor markets and kids toy store are incredible), Gastown plus Queen Elizabeth Park. We love Vancouver so much we will be going back very soon!

Right before lunch we rolled through customs and got on the boat. When I tell you Gemma lost her mind, it’s an understatement. They called our name as we entered the ship, and there were Disney characters everywhere and the friendliest team I’ve ever seen. We started by checking out our room which was perfectly appointed with a queen bed and living room area which transforms into 3 extra beds if needed, a balcony looking out into the ocean, a shower, bath tub and second toilet room. Gemma actually screamed with joy as she came into our room that we would call home for the next week.

I may have started the trip with a slightly bah-humbug attitude, but by the end I was all in and then some. Disney doesn’t miss a beat, from the absolute perfect service at every turn to the round-the-clock activities that meet everyone where they’re at.

There was genuinely something for every age on board. Movies played in the actual theater and also up top on a massive screen by the pool, so you could watch a film in a deck chair or in the jacuzzi with the slide going in the background. Gemma bounced between the many kids’ clubs, meeting Disney characters, and watching endless movies, while my dad and I found our own rhythms. Side note: I need to learn to play bridge at some point. The man spends at least 3 hours a day playing and is sharp as a tack.

I snuck away for a massage at the spa one morning, got a barista-made coffee every single morning (ok, maybe two), and walked 10,000 steps a day on the ship’s outdoor track, which doubles as one of the best whale- and glacier-watching spots on board. And after two straight days of triple-digit heat waves hitting so many vacation spots this summer around the world, being in a magnificent setting in 50-60 degree temperatures in my beanie felt like its own kind of luxury.

The food surprised me too. I wasn’t expecting much from cruise dining, but the rotating themed restaurants were a real highlight. Each night felt different. Plus you’re assigned one waiter for the trip who stays with you at dinner, so he understood my deep need for sparkling water and two appetizers to try at each meal.

And the nightly turndown ritual, a surprise animal and even Wall-E folded out of towels with two chocolates left on the pillow, was the perfect small ending to every day.

We spent our first two days at sea before making stops in Skagway, a port near Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and finally Ketchikan. If you’re on the fence about booking excursions at each stop, don’t be. They were the highlight of the trip and worth every penny.

Skagway: We took a three-hour train ride through the mountains, learning about the Gold Rush along the way. Gemma was riveted the entire time, it’s not always easy to hold a kid’s attention for three hours, but the scenery and the history did the job.

Ziplining: Part of the culture in Alaska is focused on the strong summer bump in tourism. Post-college-aged kids flock to the area for short term jobs and meeting cool new young people added to a lot of our fun. One stop had a group of them strapping us into harnesses so we could work through obstacles through the trees and zipline our hearts out, which is one of Gemma's favorite activities anywhere in the world. Watching her fly through the canopy without hesitation was a reminder of how brave she can be.

Juneau and the Mendenhall Glacier: This was the trip’s biggest surprise. My incredibly enthusiastic 83-year-old dad suited up for the cold with us and got on a helicopter to the top of the Mendenhall Glacier. Once we got up there the guides helped us into our spiked shoes and at that moment I realized my dad may have over committed, so he hung on a bench while we trekked across the ice for an hour. We learned about the glacier’s history, and even drank water straight from it. Watching my dad be game for any adventure, no matter the outcome, was as memorable as the glacier itself.

Ketchikan: The sweetest town! Our 80+ year old van driver gave us the best 20 minute history of the port. She told us that it’s quite the artist community! I will say the locals and people who move there to live during the summers are wildly passionate about these sweet towns. She dropped us at an ATV experience Disney adds as an optional excursion and after putting on ponchos with helmets and goggles (beware you will get muddy), we zoomed through the forest, learning about the local wildlife and habitat as we went. My need for speed was fulfilled.

Afterward we walked around town grabbing a few knick knacks plus some local candies, we checked out the totem poles around town and heard the stories behind them, a great, slower-paced way to end our excursion days before heading back to the boat.

Side note: we packed very light for the trip. Maybe even too light compared to others who brought the occasional matching Disney outfit, upscale dinner outfits and even full sticker adornments for their cabin doors.

Hot tip: halfway through the trip they offered a bag to wash up to 25 pieces of laundry for $25, so don’t overpack as it’s not a fashion scene.

I would make sure to pack the following in a roller-bag (this is my favorite one!) that you don’t need to check.

What I brought:

• warm coat - I live for this all weather jacket I got in England that’s been the best investment for rainy and cold weather as it’s a great layering piece. It’s a men’s coat, so I got a small to layer sweaters under it.

• Bathing suit because you will end up wanting to swim

• 2-3 sweaters or sweatshirts

• 2-3 tee shirts

• 1 long sleeve shirt for layering

• 2 pairs of jeans or pants: I can’t live without these AYR jeans

• 1-2 warm snow hats

• 1-2 pajamas

• 3 pairs of socks

• 2 pairs of athletic shoes in case one gets wet: always my leather Kiziks to slide in and out of plus you can wipe dirt or stains right off and my New Balance which I consider “dressy” athletic shoes.

• 1 scarf that matches with everything

• Undergarments

Some things I wish I had brought:

• Gloves (it’s all about layers)

• Stickers for our door (I know Gemma would have loved it to personalize the trip)

• Outdoor all weather pants for outdoor activities

• 1 “dressy” outfit which could even be a black top and slacks

• 1 pair of flats or slides or sandals for dinners

I went in expecting to tolerate the Disney part of a Disney cruise. Instead, I got a trip that balanced adventure (helicopters, ziplines, glaciers) with relaxation (a balcony, a spa, a coffee routine) and let three generations of us each have our own version of a great time. If you’re on the fence about an Alaska cruise, or skeptical about the Disney part like I was, take this as your sign to book it stat.

If you want to go through more of my travel blogs, you can find more over on Weelicious!

P.S. this post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share things I actually use and love.

Quick note: this post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share things I actually use and love.

I ❤️ LA

This month my focus was to be on vacation in the city I live in: Los Angeles. I spend so much time thinking about travel and where I’m going next that I wanted to lean into being here, present and enjoying the sweet micro moments of summer.

That’s meant endless hours in the pool swimming (Gemma will only swim with these goggles that don’t pull her hair), jumping on the trampoline, and at least 3 batches of frozen grapes and strawberry fruit leather each week.

We cooked a ton at home, so we could spend time playing games outside like Rummikub, swim, and enjoy late sunsets. A few go-to’s on heavy rotation have been Maple Soy Salmon, Cucumber Salad, and Chocolate Brownie in a Skillet (all recipes over on Weelicious).

Out and about…

For the Fourth of July, I cooked a big picnic with the 9 foods I found in my fridge (thank goodness there were a few ripe avocados to make a big batch of guacamole) for my hubby, Gemma, Cosmo and I. That night, we headed to Barnsdall Art Foundation Park to watch the fireworks all over the city sky. If you haven’t been there for their Friday night Silverlake wine and DJ nights, you’re missing out. A group of friends joined and we all brought appetizers (can’t live without my Snackle Box filled with olives, crackers and treats) and gabbed until dark. Community is one of the things I crave most these days and watching people come out, dance and feel free felt like a gift in itself.

I spent a lot of time cooking with and for friends this month and eating on this waterproof picnic blanket (which I’ve dragged around all summer). My girlfriend, Damaris, came to LA so we could make a batch of these mocktails plus a stonefruit and burrata salad that I’m posting on Weelicious’s Instagram later this week. I made it wearing the most comfortable strapless black bathing suit that I feel I’ll be living in through at least September.

I’m all about building memories, so I took one of my girlfriends out to dinner for her birthday, and we pretended we were at a cafe in Paris (when in fact we were at Betsy in Altadena). Get a reservation stat because their summer produce (OMG the melon salad with chiles) and the way the chef, Paul, and owner, Tyler, prepare dishes is on another planet of deliciousness.

Ladies night

When I got invited to celebrate Jennifer Garner’s new Peacock show, The Five Star Weekend, with incredible ladies, you know the answer was yes! We sat on the roof at Funke in our summer dresses chatting, eating pasta and enjoying the perfect night.

Things I’m gifting:

When I go to a friend’s house, I love bringing a little something. While a bottle of wine is always a win, Brightland olive oil, Masala Chai Concentrate, yummy oHHo CBD beverages (the blood orange and pomegranate is out of this world) or this incredible multi pack of tinned fish from Fish Wives are fun and unexpected.

Friends like family

One of my favorite humans, Melissa, and her husband, Greg, brought their new baby, Graham, to stay with us, and if I could have kept them forever I would. Gemma’s dreams of having another baby were fulfilled (momentarily).

Things I bought:

First of all, before I bought new clothes, Chloe sat me down at the beginning of summer and had an intervention with me. She was clear that I needed to shed 50% of my closet. Deep breaths. I ordered more matching no-slip hangers, kept and organized 50%, donated 25% and am selling 25% on my Poshmark (it’s addictive if you haven’t tried it before!).

I basically live in button up shirts and jeans. I got 2 new ones at different price points and love them equally. Before you click on the links, can you figure out which is which? This oversized white one is super chic and this striped button up comes in endless colors.

I’ve been making 2 Iced Matcha Lattes every day this summer. I usually make mine with oat milk, but any milk works, as you can see here with the recipe. Refreshing, an easy bump of caffeine, and it only takes seconds with pure ceremonial matcha and this electric foamer, which turns any milk into creamy foam in seconds.

I often get aches and pains from running around, working out and cooking. If I don’t have time to take an Epsom salt bath I rub this Soothing Nerve Lotion into my legs and shoulders for immediate relief.

VACATION!

Yes, I said this month was about being a tourist in my own city. And then we went on a vacation. Balance! You know how much I love a one on one vacation, and you also know how much our grandparents mean to me, so Gemma and I grabbed my dad and headed to Alaska!

Since Kenya and Chloe headed to the east coast for the past month (more about that soon) and took all of our suitcases, I bought myself the most updated version of my go-to carry on suitcase. We packed everything we needed for 8 days in it too! I live for this carry on and these life-changing compression packing cubes. Since it was going to be cold and dry I brought my new Remedy Serum stick I swear by to hydrate my face and neck.

I’m sharing everything about our Alaska vacation (and how skeptical I was about going on a Disney Cruise) next week, so stay tuned for that.

Since I wasn’t sure how the food would be and didn’t want to stress about not having enough greens and nutrients in my body, I grabbed a bunch of my husband’s AG1 travel packets and stuffed it in my backpack.

What I’m Reading

Every free second I’ve had over the past month, I’ve been grabbing my book The Lion Women of Tehran which is absolutely mesmerizing. If you’re looking for a book club read, it’s a must. I just cracked open The Correspondent too which I’ve heard over and over again is a must read. Let me know if you’ve read it! Or if you have more recommendations!

Now back in LA and ready for two more trips before the beginning of Kenya’s first year of college and the girls back to school! Buckle up because it’s going to be a ride!

Sending your kid off to school is one of those bittersweet milestones, equal parts pride, panic (and an insane amount of Amazon orders and Target runs). Between the emotions of the actual goodbye and strategizing how to fit his entire life into a shared 12x18 room, dorm shopping gets overwhelming. Fast.

So I did what I do: I made a list (maybe at 11pm in a bit of a panic, but I still made a list!).

I have a few mom friends who have been down this road before so I consulted with them, plus a few organization experts, and broke it all down by category so you can shop all in one place without the fear of leaving something important behind.

This is the actual list I’m using to help me stock Kenya’s dorm.

PS: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only ever link things I’d genuinely use for myself or my family.

Moving Bags

Whether your kid is moving across the country or just down the street, you’ll want durable moving bags that are also easy to store for the trip back home (or into summer storage) at the end of the year.

• Moving bags: option 1 or option 2

Bedding

The extra-long twin is a dorm rite of passage, and good bedding is what makes a tiny room feel like home. The mattress topper is non-negotiable for comfortable sleep, and I’m told they sell out fast, so grab one early.

• Sheets (XL Twin): option 1 or option 2

• Waterproof / bed bug encasement protector

• Comforter: option 1 or option 2

• Pillows

• Pillow / mattress topper

• Extra blanket or throw: breathable cotton or sherpa fleece

• Faux fur blanket

• Wedge dorm pillow

• Sleep mask

Desk

Between studying and Zoom calls, the desk gets more use than almost any other spot in the room.

• Desk lamp: option 1 and/or option 2

• Lock box: book lock box or portable lock box

• Shelf desk organizers

• Above-desk organizer / shelf

• Desk vanity mirror

• Under-desk or side storage

• Bed desk (for working from bed)

• Side desk (great for bunk bed setups)

Electronics & Tech

The stuff that keeps them charged, connected, and entertained.

• Fan

• Oscillating fan

• Neck fan

• Heavy-duty power tower / strips

• Extra-long phone / laptop chargers

• Headphones (a backup pair is always smart)

• Portable charger / power bank: shop here

• Waterproof speaker

• Printer

Decor

Making a dorm feel personal goes a long way toward easing homesickness.

• Wall art / pictures

• Posters

• Command strips and hooks (a must for damage-free decorating)

• Rug

• Plants (real or faux)

• Candles or a flameless alternative (check dorm rules first!)

• Jewelry dish

• Air freshener

• Framed family photos

Storage & Closet

Dorm closets are notoriously small, and smart storage is everything.

• Bed risers

• Under-bed storage bins

• Hangers (slim, non-slip ones save closet space)

• Closet storage bins

• Storage seat / ottoman

Toiletries, Medication & Bath

Shared bathrooms mean everything needs to be portable and quick to grab and go.

• Towels

• Hard-sided shower caddy

• Mesh shower caddy

• Quick-dry towel to sit under the caddy

• Shower sandals / flip-flops

• Unisex bathrobe

• Thermometer

• Nail set

Cleaning Supplies

A little prep here saves a lot of roommate tension later.

• Handheld vacuum

• Disinfecting wipes

• Small broom and dustpan set

• Trash bins (one large, one small for the bathroom or desk)

• Trash bags

• Dish soap

Laundry

• Laundry basket or hamper

• Laundry bag with backpack-style straps (perfect for the walk to the laundry room)

• Laundry detergent

• Dryer sheets

Kitchen & Food Storage

Most dorms allow at least a few small appliances, check the school’s list first, then stock up.

• Microwave

• Mini fridge

• Ice maker

• Hot water kettle

• Silverware set

• Cutting board and knife

• Reusable water bottle

Everyday & Miscellaneous

• Backpack

• First aid kit

• Air purifier

• Full-length mirror

• Travel umbrella

• Clothing steamer

• Fairy lights

Clothing to Pack

Beyond the everyday wardrobe, a few category-specific things make freshman year easier:

• Slippers

• Flip-flops

• Game day tops

• Game day pants / bottoms

• Going-out tops and bottoms

A few final tips before you hit “add to cart”

Check the school’s list first. Many colleges restrict certain appliances, candles, or wattages, so always confirm before buying big-ticket items like fridges or microwaves.

Coordinate with the roommate. No one needs two fridges or two microwaves in one tiny room.

Buy slim and stackable. Every bin, hanger, and organizer should be chosen with square footage in mind.

Don’t overpack clothes. Dorm closets are small. A seasonal wardrobe swap over school breaks works better than hauling everything at once.

With this list, I think you’ll be ready to tackle Target or Amazon like a pro, and your freshman will be moved in, organized, and (almost) ready to say goodbye.

Don’t mind me, just gonna have a quick cry into these XL twin sheets!

xo Catherine

Know someone with a kid heading off this fall? Send this their way, it might save them a late-night Google spiral like the one I went down.

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Next year, Weelicious turns 20. How is that even possible?!

Twenty. I started it in 2007, right after my son, Kenya, was born, because there I was, with a culinary school education, standing in my kitchen with a brand-new baby and no idea what to feed him. If I felt that way, I figured other parents did too, so I started writing down recipes and shooting videos, just for fun.

That baby is now 6’4” and about to leave for college. His sister Chloe is a year behind him, about to do the exact same thing, with an F4 racing passion I’m trying to keep up with and hanging on by a thread. And my youngest, Gemma, will likely be taller than me in the next few years.

The brand and my kids grew up at exactly the same time, and somehow I blinked and here we all are.

So lately I’ve been thinking hard about what the next twenty should look and feel like.

Here’s the thing: I’m not in the puree years anymore. My kids invent new recipes as often as I do now. But, I’m not exactly out of those years either. Gemma is in elementary school, so I’m still packing a lunchbox every day, but I’m also prepping to decorate a dorm room in the same week. I’m still cooking for a full, loud house every night even as two of my kids get ready to leave it.

That’s the season I’m actually in. And I want to write to you from where I actually am.

So this is Seasoned.

For a while now I’ve had things I want to make or say that don’t quite “fit” on Weelicious. Things that feel a little more grown up. A recipe that isn’t really a “kids’ recipe.” A rant about life. Everything I’ve picked up trying to raise good humans, all the hard-won stuff about parenting and friendship and marriage that actually works (most of the time). A thought that has nothing to do with feeding a toddler. It all needs somewhere to live.

A little more me, a little less algorithm. Food will always be at the center of it, because it’s who I am, but this is a place for everything else around the table, too.

With all that said, Weelicious isn’t going anywhere!

If you found me because you’ve got a new baby and you’re standing in your kitchen exactly like I was in 2007: welcome. I’m so glad you’re here. Everything you need is right where you left it: every recipe, every first-foods guide, every lunchbox trick, all of it lives on at weelicious.com. And I’ll still be adding new recipes there! Weelicious is still very much my day job. It was never a scrapbook, and it isn’t about to become one.

But, if your kids grew up alongside mine, if Weelicious got you through those early years and then, somewhere along the way, quietly became something you used to love, here’s what I most want you to know. I didn’t stay behind in the puree days. I grew up right along with you! I still understand your kitchen; it just looks different now. It’s college tours and quiet bedrooms and wait, what do I even make for dinner tonight? A question that I don’t think will every go away??

Here’s what I’m passionate about, and some of what you’ll find here going forward:

• Farmers market recipes the whole family can make

• Travel with all the hot tips, all over the world

• Exercise (as much mental as physical) and all the things that inspire me to stay in shape

• Life as a woman: friendships, marriage, and the changes our bodies go through

• Supporting our kids through their next phases of life

• Fun, quality activities on a dime

• Fashion and beauty (the teen model in me is still obsessed with all of it!)

And first up, in a few days, I’ll be sending you the ultimate college dorm list! Every single thing a new student actually needs (with links) so you don’t end up losing your mind Googling your way through it at 11pm like I did.

We’ll celebrate Weelicious’s 20th next year. Still can’t believe that’s a sentence I’m writing! But I didn’t want to wait for the party to start telling you where I’m headed.

And if this next chapter isn’t what you signed up for, no hard feelings at all. You can step away anytime, and I’ll still be over at weelicious.com whenever you need a recipe.

The table’s still set. Come hungry.

xo Catherine