Katy Flint

My Favorite Amazon Items for Summer

July 12, 2021July 15, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

I’ll admit it! I’m a self-proclaimed Amazon junkie, but that also means that I’ve rounded up my favorite Amazon items for summer…for you to also enjoy!

COVID-19 has drastically changed my shopping habits. I honestly do as much as possible in our small town, but options are limited. The rest is typically done on Amazon, if possible. Everyone has their own opinions about Amazon but for me its the ease, no need to go to big stores with lots of people, and deal with crowds! So, of course I need to share my favorite Amazon items for Summer with you all otherwise what kind of online shopper would I be?! 😉

This site generates income via partnerships with companies and purchases made through links to them. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See more info HERE!

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Gluten-Free

Eat Gluten Free in the Midwest at these Delicious Stops

July 5, 2021October 22, 2023 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

One thing I’m asked for over and over is the best places to eat gluten free in the Midwest! If you’ve followed along for a while now, you know that I have a gluten allergy. I was diagnosed in November 2019 and have been working to adjust my eating ever since. Eating at home is easy as I have complete control of the groceries that I keep in the house and how food is prepared. But sometimes when traveling, eating gluten-free can be a challenge! (It’s amazing how many places offer only fried foods & sandwiches!) Thankfully, over the last several years, I’ve found several delicious places to eat that either offer Gluten-Free specific menus or have lots of menu options that are gluten free!

*Note – I cannot guarantee that cross contamination does not happen at any of these restaurants as cross contamination. For your own allergy/intolerance, please make sure to consult each of the restaurants before dinning there!

Select A State for Gluten Free Eating

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Midwest Travel

Austin, MN – Not Just SPAM: 9 Reasons to Visit

June 1, 2021June 13, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

I don’t know about you, but when I hear of Austin, Minnesota, I can’t help but think of SPAM! It makes complete sense since Austin is the home to Hormel, the maker of SPAM. But, after a recent weekend getaway in Austin, we know that there are so many more reasons to visit Austin. In fact, there are 9 reasons to visit Austin, MN. Whether you love spending time outdoors, history, or art, Austin offers it all! Time to plan a trip to visit Austin, Minnesota.

Thank you to Discover Austin, MN for hosting our visit to Austin! All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For full details, please see the disclosure tab.

Hormel Historic Home

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Day Trips

Plan a Visit to West Central Iowa: 3 Day Itinerary

May 9, 2021May 7, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

I’ve fallen in love with West Central Iowa! It holds some of the very best gems in Iowa. From wineries, rich Danish culture, good eats, and more you’ll be ready to plan a visit to West Central Iowa! And with this 3 day itinerary, it’s easier than ever! Ready to pack and get going? (Make sure to download the checklist at the end!)

Day 1: Elk Horn

On Day 1, start your visit to West Central Iowa in Elk Horn. This Danish community has so much to offer! Of course, the focus and center point of this community is their authentic and historic Windmill, but that is just the beginning!

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Day Trips

The Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in Southeast Iowa

April 26, 2021March 28, 2023 — Katy Flint2 Comments

The Midwest is full of lots of great day trips & weekend getaways. Iowa alone has a plethora of them! Southeast Iowa is no exception to this rule! Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, we have something for you! Wineries, breweries, museums, good food, and more! Check them out!

*Note – For the purposes of this post, Southeast Iowa is considered anything South of Highway 20 and East of I-35!

getaways in Southeast Iowa — Goldie’s in Prairie City

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Girl's Trips

A Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel – an Escape in Cedar Falls, Iowa

April 15, 2021April 15, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

Historic hotels have become our favorite stays and a night at the Black Hawk Hotel in Cedar Falls, Iowa, recently was no exception.

We were given a gift certificate for Christmas to the Black Hawk Hotel and I couldn’t wait to use it as this has been on my “must-visit” list for awhile now! We decided to use it on a Friday night for a quick getaway before T started spring fieldwork. The gift certificate we were given was part of a holiday promotion in which we were able to get the best available room, 2 free drinks from the bar, and an early check-in and early check-out time! (Watch their social media channels for different promotions!) Lucky for us, the best available room was a queen spa suite. WIN!

This post contains affiliate links for your ease! More details can be found on the Disclosure page.

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Iowa

Great Places to Visit in Northeast Iowa

April 8, 2021March 17, 2023 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

Looking for places to explore in the Midwest?! We recommend checking out these 14 places to visit in Northeast Iowa! From day trips to weekends, quick stops to long road trips, there is a lot to see and do! We’ve got great places to eat, overnight stays to book, and more! Which one will you plan first?!

Note: For the purposes of this post, Northeast Iowa is defined as North of Highway 20 and East of I-35.

DYERSVILLE – Field of Dreams & More

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Girl's Trips

The Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

March 28, 2021May 4, 2021 — Katy Flint2 Comments

Ready to travel? We’ve gathered up this list of the very best in Midwest Weekend Getaways to help make your planning easier! You’ll find them grouped by state, but I’ve also noted which ones are the best for families, couples, girlfriends getaway, and more! I hope you’re excited to get exploring!

The Best Midwest Weekend Getaways

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Day Trips

The “Must Have” Guide to Coffee Shops in Iowa

March 22, 2021July 20, 2023 — Katy Flint2 Comments

I love coffee and love visiting new coffee shops and they automatically get bonus points if they are locally owned joints! I’ll pass Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts any day of the week for a mom & pop coffee shop! Thankfully, Iowa is loaded with lots of great coffee shops! I’ve collected them all here for your convenience and even categorized them by region! So, schedule a road trip to enjoy them all (not necessarily all at once) and enjoy a hot (or cold) cup of joe!

Coffee Shops in Northeast Iowa

Rustic Brew – 117 1st St NW, Hampton

Not only is this a locally owned coffee shop that serves delicious lattes, mochas, frappes, and a large variety of flavored chai tea, but it’s also a microbrewery. Start with coffee and a scone, stay for lunch with a great sandwich or their homemade special, and finish your day with a Sloberknocker (yes, that’s a beer).

Grab a Brew at Rustic Brew in Hampton, Iowa

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Iowa

5 Reasons to Visit Dyersville, Iowa

March 15, 2021October 8, 2021 — Katy Flint14 Comments

“Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa”. We all know that line from “Field of Drams”, right?! But, after a visit to Dyersville, Iowa. We know it’s really true! We always enjoy finding great treasures in Iowa and love sharing about them too!

Traveling doesn’t always have to be week long vacations and with our busy lives we have come to enjoy day trips and weekend getaways. Dyersville, Iowa is perfect for both of those!

*Thank you to Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting us and hosting our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own! For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

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