Relationships

How far up your family tree do you need to go to find cultural heritage?  What’s the story behind the lullaby your grandmother sang to your father?  Why does your roast chicken need a certain side dish  just like your mother made it — or the meal doesn’t seem complete?  Even if your last name has no apparent “flavor” to it, if you do a little shaking, you just might find some fruit worth savoring in that family tree.

The sun shimmers over the Atlantic as I dip my toes into the sugary soft sand and lean back into my padded beach chair.  My body relaxes, my muscles liquid after a morning massage at the spa.  The breeze caresses my hair, and the warmth of the sun melts into my skin like butter.  I am experiencing the Nocturnal Nesting package at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a “procreation vacation” offered to help couples conceive in style.

Looking for a kid-free vacation, but want to stay in the Anne Arundel, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s or Baltimore area? Try a local bed and breakfast for a Valentine’s Day full of romantic relaxation. The advertisers say Valentine’s Day should be celebrated with dinner, dancing and diamonds. Maybe jetting off to a Carribbean island or to a high-end hotel, where the bathrooms are always clean and chocolate-covered strawberries magically appear...