GiP.

Pillar

Adventures

Travel journals and trails worth the climb.

DIY: Charlie Brown Christmas Tree for Under $75!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With the economy still recovering and the 1%ers still being part of the 1% club. I decided to make it my mission to make an awesome…

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The Hottest 4th of July in Frederick

101 degrees, a brand new grill, a surprise storm that nearly took our tent, and a soaking-wet Cody by the river. Our 4th of July in Frederick, Maryland was one for the books.

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Pirates Take the Maryland Renaissance Festival

Our second trip to the Maryland Renaissance Festival landed on Pirate Day… so the hubby and I grabbed our cameras and went people watching in the best-dressed village in Maryland.

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2026 Baltimore Sail 250

America's 250th brought tall ships and an air show to Baltimore — and a Sunday downtown that made us proud of B-more.

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The Return to Bier Fest…

Two days at Busch Gardens Williamsburg with Cody and Pico — animals, rides, Halloween décor, and of course Bier Fest.

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Annapolis

How we turned a free city walk through historic Annapolis into the perfect low-cost weekend adventure.

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GIP Does Orlando

Hubby and I are headed to Orlando, with a Georgia pit stop for MIL's birthday.

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How To: Bier Fest with Beer “Stein” Dude…

Beer Dude says, “Plan Ahead!” First, a little background…September 19 marks the official day of Germany’s Oktoberfest. While it would have been awesome to actually go to…

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I have moved on…

We started StrongLifts 5×5—squats, bench, rows, and adding weight every session.

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Happy 4th of July!

Safeway had a big float in the Danville parade this morning. I volunteered with a few other coworkers but I didn’t realize we would be in the festivities. We passed out water…

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Del Valle

This was a nice little hike! There is a small fee when you come into the park mainly for parking. If you are camping or boating it is a bigger fee. Del Valle has a wonderful…

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Lake Merritt Walk

Every Saturday, Mr.Awesome Boyfriend and I like to go hike but we decided to walk around Lake Merritt instead. We are still recovering from last Saturday’s adventure and…

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WARNING: This hike is not for newbies!

As you all know, Mr. Awesome Boyfriend and I love to go on hiking adventures! This hike we found in a book called Tri-Valley Trails Hiking Adventures in the greater Livermore,…

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Everyone Needs a Goal!

Week 4 of our new gym routine—weights Mon/Wed/Fri, elliptical Tue/Thu.

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My 100 Post!

Wow, this is amazing! I can’t believe that I have been blogging for a year and a half; and now I have made it to 100 posts. For this blog, I wanted to go back to the…

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I am Officially Accomplished!

I have been working hard, every day, on my typing (at typingweb.com) and it has paid off! After completing the beginner and the intermediate courses (2 times), I took the…

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What Every New Gym Member Needs… a New Bag!

We found this bag online for only $35! It has so much room for all my workout clothes and accessories. The color matches my new gym shoes; which is awesome! The strap is…

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Spartacus!

A new Spartacus season on STARZ! Graphic but action-packed—catch up on Comcast.

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SKY FALL

Finally watched Skyfall. Gripping story, great effects—I give it 4 out of 5 popcorns.

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The Lion King

It’s my birthday (in a few days)! Well, I have to say that this year has been amazing. I am about to be 26 years of age…whoohoo! This birthday celebration Mr. Awesome Boyfriend…

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24 Hours in San Fran

Mr.Awesome boyfriend and I had a mission…explore San Francisco like a true backpacker. Backpacker, you may ask? Well, it’s like backpacking through Europe but without the…

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Hiker-if-ic

Mr.Awesome Boyfriend and I went hiking at Pleasanton foothills again! It was the perfect day for hiking too: the sky was overcast, the temp was just cool enough and the sun…

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Tail As Old As Time…

Beauty and the Beast in 3D brings the 1991 classic to life. Be our guest!

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My Name is Girl in Pigtails… and I am a Nerd.

The following pictures demonstrate the previous statement. Oh yeah! And ‘Yes’… it is a blank keyboard. So, this brings me into a few topics for this post: 1- the awesome…

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Recap!

Halloween at Six Flags—costumes, heat, and getting turned away at the gate.

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