<\/p>Anyone who knows me knows travel is one of my greatest passions. And over the last month, I set a personal travel record\u2013three back to back weekend getaways. Each one afforded the opportunity to reconnect with beloved friends and family for milestone occasions.\n

First, I headed to Mount Holyoke for my 20-year college reunion. A happy wave of nostalgia and pride in my alma mater infused my return to campus. There is something magical about being part of this sisterhood of uncommon women. That feeling was deeply present as we participated in the laurel parade, a longstanding MHC tradition in which reunion classes are followed by the graduating seniors. The seniors then weave a laurel chain around MHC founder Mary Lyon\u2019s grave before singing the moving anthem \u201cBread and Roses.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Snapshots from my 20 year reunion: MHC women rock.<\/p><\/div>\n

At reunion, I had the pleasure of catching up with dear friends Traci and Dana, reuniting with dorm neighbor Cristina and seeing first year floormate Aimee. Two decades fell away as Aimee and I talked about how our lives have unfolded since graduation. Amazing.<\/p>\n

Getaway #2 took me to Toronto, for a girls weekend with dear friends Jackie and Belgium-based Cindy.<\/p>\n

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Girls weekend fun: (from left) Cindy, me and Jackie<\/p><\/div>\n

Taking advantage of picture perfect weather, we explored some top attractions in my former hometown: the CN Tower, Toronto Island and historic public buildings offering complimentary admission as part of Doors Open. Along the way, of course, we enjoyed wonderful conversations about life, love and the importance of good friends in navigating the trials and triumphs of life.<\/p>\n

Last weekend, my beloved cousin Alexandra and I headed to Jersey City to celebrate her college graduation. Our home for the weekend \u2013 the fantastic Westin<\/a> hotel. I\u00a0 won the stay here during a regional Starwood employee event and it was just as rejuvenating as I anticipated. We were welcomed with a suite upgrade and wine and cake pops.<\/p>\n

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All smiles: Alexandra and me<\/p><\/div>\n

After spending hours chatting the night away, Alexandra and I headed across the street to Battello<\/a>, a lively, sprawling bistro along the water with spectacular skyline views. Alexa is more like a sister than a cousin to me and I treasure the bond we share.<\/p>\n

All of weekend getaways nourished my spirit and gave me much-needed quality time with some of my nearest and dearest. Traveling so much in a short span of time also reinforced that old and ever so true adage \u2013 there\u2019s no place like home.<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"