Buffalo Lisa

Hi there! I’m Lisa. I quit my job and life as I knew it to travel around the world.

I’ve been to 60+ countries and would love to inspire you to travel more.
**It’s easier and cheaper than you think!**

❀❀❀

Come along with me as I seek
***local experiences* and *tasty food.***

“The greatest risk of all? Not taking one.”

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My Best Travel Tips

Venice in October

My Camera & Travel Gear

I’m frequently asked what camera equipment I use or what is my favorite suitcase or what techy gadgets or travel sites I recommend.

Check out my tech & travel gear recommendations here!

My Gear Shop

Latest Posts

Follow me on Instagram!

True story: I've had a crush on this guy since high school.
❤️❤️❤️

Check out my segway style! 👀

And then swipe left!

Last fall, I went on a little trip over to a new-to-me area in Ohio called Hocking Hills.
🍁🍂🦉 What an unexpected treat! My latest post highlights the beauty here in the foothills of the Appalachians of Hocking Hills State Park, plus all the passionate makers and entrepreneurs I met. From an apple orchard growing George Washington’s favorite variety to the United States’ only remaining washboard factory, it’s definitely worth a visit!
LINK in bio!
#myhockinghills
#hosted

Happy International Pizza Day!! 🍕
Chicago pizza is much more than deep dish. In fact more often than not, Chicagoans eat thin crust.
This gorgeously charred pie is a Neapolitan pizza from Eataly Chicago. Mangia!

Thinking back to hot days and tasty food last June in Scottsdale at FnB....while it's 18F here in Chicago! 😁 🌵

Traveling expands your horizons in so many ways and is one of the best ways to really learn about the world, culture, and people.
Check out this great travel scholarship opportunity for young Americans with financial need. 💜

HI USA is offering $1,000 travel awards with up to 7 free overnight stays at HI USA hostels across the country for young adults ages 18-30 with demonstrated financial need, so you can kick start your travel career right here in the U.S.

There are HI USA hostels all over the US in places like NYC, Chicago, New Orleans, DC, Cape Cod, Portland and San Francisco!

On your adventure, you'll experience the people, places, and cultures that make up our diverse and beautiful country. Check out the Program Details (link in bio!) to learn more about this travel scholarship and to see if you qualify.

Apply now! Or share with someone who qualifies!
DEADLINE: March 1

#HIUSAAMBASSADOR
#HIUSA
#EXPLOREAMERICA

Sometimes I clean up okay! 😘
New town, who dis? 😂💃

Feelin' fancy attending the annual Lehigh Valley Berks American Heart Association Heart Ball.

Made it extra special to wear my late grandmother's vintage earrings and bring my other late grandmother's vintage hand-beaded French clutch. 💗
#lvberksheartball
#3forheart

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year from Bethlehem, PA!

Baking my new favorite cookies, chocolate peppermint snaps!

Flour
White sugar
Brown sugar
Cocoa
Butter
Vanilla extract
Peppermint extract
Baking soda
Salt
Semi sweet chips

Happy Holidays!

I made my baba ghanoush last night to bring to a dinner! My trick is to add some mayo (plus tahini of course!) to make it really creamy.
Follow me for more infrequent recipes! 😂
But mostly travel+food. ❤️

I moved back to New Jersey one year ago this summer.
While I do miss cycling more during every day life in Chicago (for fun or just to go to grocery store!), I've been enjoying discovering Central New Jersey's many beautiful trails including the D&R Trail, the Columbia Trail, Henry Hudson Trail and riding around Duke Farms (first photo)!
There are a lot of beautiful areas to discover especially in Central and Western NJ in and around Hunterdon County. Scroll through pics and see that New Jersey is more beautiful and charming than many realize.
Then click on link in my bio to read the blog post in NJ Bike trails and get on your bike! 🚲

I bought a house!!! 🏡
Follow me here @llhomediy!

I left Chicago exactly one year ago this week!

After 12 months and three other outbid offers, I am pretty excited and relieved to now be under contract on this cute, 80 year-old gem built in the 1940s in the Edgeboro neighborhood of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania!!

It's a Sears, Roebuck & Co. "modern English-style cottage" kit home known as "The Wilmore!"

I’ll be planting more trees, doing more landscaping and garden beds, and doing various DIY reno projects big and small!

Follow along here on Instagram at my new account @llhomediy to join me on my projects as I learn, fail, try again and figure things out!

More to come...

Springtime for Slinky.
🌸 💕 🐾

Thanks London! Another fantastic visit. ❤️
Until next time...

The Cotswolds - a literal area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) with rolling hills, heaps of sheep, stone buildings, and plenty of charming villages.

Happy New Year!
Wishing you health and more joy, love, happiness, contentment, and laughter in 2022. 💙
Peace out 2021.

I took this shot in the tiny town of Three Bridges, New Jersey just down the road.
I love their Christmas display...they hung scattered lights high up in the trees to look like stars!
Magical. 🌟

'Tis the season...

📸 @souvenirfinder

This is Bug. 😻
He likes to hang out while gazing at the trees, birds, and squirrels. He enjoys long naps in a patch of sun.
Be more like Bug. ❤️

Last of fall. Until next year sweet sugar maple. I so enjoyed this shimmering yellow beauty all autumn. Trees make me happy. Thanks for a great show! 🍁

Remembering my trip to Tanzania a few years ago. I was so fortunate to experience these majestic creatures in the wild. 💙

Autumn in New Jersey

I've spent the last five months in New Jersey...enjoying the quiet, the wildlife that visits our backyard, and these gorgeous trees! 🌳🍂
#grateful

SWIPE to see my beautiful city of Chicago. It's not "on fire." It's not "destroyed."

Did you know I left Chicago two months ago? It took me forever to finally publish this post! I’m not sure if it’s because I was afraid that it would make my leaving Chicago feel more real or if I was just putting off the actual writing.

Either way…here it is! My final goodbye to my favorite city in the whole world—why I love it so much and what I will miss. ❤️
Link in bio.

I can’t wait to visit!

If you've been to Chicago or live there...did I get it right? Can you relate?

I can’t believe that this month marks 15 years since I quit my job as a broadcast TV producer to travel around the world for what I thought would be one year. 🤯🌎

I ended up traveling and living out of a suitcase for four years before I settled back in my favorite city of Chicago.

And now, 10 years after that, I’ve moved back east to start my next chapter.

Little did I know 15 years ago that I’d continue to work for myself and run my own business (and schedule!) for longer than I worked full time for others.
I feel extremely grateful and fortunate to have created this life for myself which gives me time, freedom, and joy. ❤️

📸
2006: Costa Rica zip line canopy tour...first country in my round the world trip 🌎

1998-2006: producing various on-location shoots for ABC7 Chicago. 📺

Happy anniversary to us! ❤️
I am so fortunate to have this guy in my corner — loving, supportive, fun, caring, empathetic, and cute!

I am so proud of us and how much we’ve grown over the last several years. 💕
👉 SWIPE LEFT for a bit of a surprise. 😁🎊
(and read all the details in my latest post, it's not exactly what you might think — link in bio!)

Some BIG news: I’m leaving Chicago. 😳 😢

I've been scared to share this as it makes it more real.

Being a shut-in for much of the last year has given me tons of time to think and frankly be bored. I vacillated between reveling in my quiet, unscheduled days punctuated by comfy clothes, no make-up and house projects and missing even the simplest interactions with neighbors and acquaintances.

But one thing that revealed itself to me during, and likely because of, the pandemic — I’m ready for a change.💓

To read more about my motivation, where I'm going, and how much I will miss Chicago (after calling it home for 23 years), PLEASE check out my latest blog post for all the details. Link in bio. 🔗

Happy Spring!
🌸🥀🌻🌳🐦
Hang in there. 2021 is going to get better. It's got to! ❤️

I miss learning about places through the local food!
This steamy, umami-rich bowl of noodles was a window into Hong Kong. I was fortunate enough to get to return to this vibrant city for a second time. I hope I can make it back again and am thinking about all that's changed there recently. 💔

Add the country of Georgia to your bucket list! You won't be disappointed.

I explored the beautiful country and its food before the pandemic. Check out my latest post.
Link in bio.

When I visited the country of Georgia more than a year ago, little did I know it would be my last trip abroad for a long time.✈️

Georgia sort of sits at the intersection of Europe and Asia, although the capital, Tbilisi, feels more European. The country is bordered by Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. This cross-section of cultures means there's a diverse and delicious food scene.💞

Check out my newest blog post (link in bio) to learn about what to eat in Georgia and where to eat in Tbilisi. 😊

I miss travel! ✈️

This is a shot of Mt. Everest from my flight between Kathmandu and Bhutan a few years ago. Bhutan was probably my most exotic and interesting destination.
(I also got my first bout of food poisoning and was nearly gored by a yak on a hike in the mountains, but that's another story!).

I still get excited when I fly to new destinations, knowing that when I disembark the plane, the place will feel, smell, and look different.

I miss travel! ✈️

This is a shot of Mt. Everest from my flight between Kathmandu and Bhutan a few years ago. Bhutan was probably my most exotic and interesting destination.
(I also got my first bout of food poisoning and was nearly gored by a yak on a hike in the mountains, but that's another story!).

I still get excited when I fly to new destinations, knowing that when I disembark the plane, the place will feel, smell, and look different.

Twenty-three years ago today, I moved to Chicago to start my job as a TV producer at ABC7 Chicago.
One of the best decisions I've ever made! ❤️
My job had me covering the city and producing segments on our culture, restaurants, neighborhoods, people, fitness activities, pets, celebs and so much more!
I've made so many friends and connections and learned so much about Chicago.
Needless to say, I fell in love with this city and am forever proud of my adopted hometown. 💙
This also might be the year that I finally leave Chicago. 😭
More on that later, but for now happy anniversary to me and you, Chicago! 🥰

📸 - by me from helicopter ride above Downtown Chicago, Millennium, and Maggie Daley Parks.

The sun sets on 2020.
We all know how tough this year has been on so many people.
Mostly the hundreds of thousands around the world who lost someone to this unfathomable virus. And the health care workers who've worked tirelessly to help others.
I personally can't complain. I am so grateful for my health and the love and support of those close to me.
I'm really fortunate to be able to work from home and mostly enjoy my quiet time as an introvert and cat lover!
Here's to a better 2021 for all! 💕🥂

📸 - shot in Belize on a two-week kayaking & camping trip.
Looking forward to traveling again. 🛶🏕️✌🏻

I’ve encountered a lot of animals on my travels all over the world.
🐒🦁🐷🐦🐳🐧🐘🐅
Sometimes in the wild and sometimes in less ethical situations.

When I was a kid I used to like going to the zoo. Now I do not go. About 10 years ago, I participated in swimming with dolphins in Mexico. Now I regret that I did that and supported that business even if they ‘said’ it was humane.

Nearly everyone says they love animals, and unscrupulous businesses can and do take advantage of that. Animals are far too often living in captivity in unnatural ways in order for people to get the chance to interact with them.

If we really want to help animals we have to educate ourselves on what is truly humane and ethical. Support conservation efforts, sanctuaries, and eat a more plant-based diet. 🌿

I took these photos 📸 when on safari in Tanzania enjoying animals from a distance in the wild. That’s okay.

But anything that prevents an animal from living how it would naturally in the wild carrying out its own innate behaviors, is not.

Easy Tips:
🚫 Don’t take photos with any animals (monkeys, parrots, tigers, sloths, etc) that are being held in order to make money.
🚫 Don’t ever ride elephants.
🚫 Don’t swim with dolphins or other sea creatures in captivity.
🚫 Think about the food you eat and where it came from. The vast majority of farmed animals come from inhumane factory farms with cages, overcrowding, and horrible practices.

For a huge list of ethical animal experiences please read my latest post and add these trips to your bucket list!
Link in bio!

Happy Independence Day/4th of July! 🇺🇸🇺🇲🇺🇲

It's the United States' birthday today as an independent nation.

I have to be honest, while I do love my country and feel fortunate in many ways, I'm not so proud of America right now.

Hoping for better days ahead and us being a country that many look up to and respect. ✌🏻❤️

👉 Are all those virtual “tours” just not cutting it? Are you ready to start traveling again? Me too. 💁‍♀️ I've joined an international network of travel bloggers to launch the first ever Travel Dreams Bundle!

It’s a pretty neat deal of over $600 of travel products and services for just $49.95! 💥

It’s packed with travel books, courses, coaching sessions, memberships, apps, and other cool digital products and discounts!

My Video 101 ebook is included plus other courses from award-winning photographers, experienced travelers, and more!
Only available through Sunday!
Link in my bio! 📸: Back when traveling was easy…this is of course beautiful Venice, Italy

#TravelDreamsBundle

👉 Are all those virtual “tours” just not cutting it? Are you ready to start traveling again? Me too. 💁‍♀️ I've joined an international network of travel bloggers to launch the first ever Travel Dreams Bundle!

It’s a pretty neat deal of over $600 of travel products and services for just $49.95! 💥

It’s packed with travel books, courses, coaching sessions, memberships, apps, and other cool digital products and discounts!

My Video 101 ebook is included plus other courses from award-winning photographers, experienced travelers, and more!
Only available through Sunday!
Link in my bio! 📸: Back when traveling was easy…this is of course beautiful Venice, Italy

#TravelDreamsBundle

As a veteran tree hugger I of course like hanging out on these big limbs. 🌳🍁🌿
It's the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day.
We are so lucky to have so much natural beauty in the world all around us--the forests, the animals, the oceans.
Please, let's not fuck it up.

#earthday
#earthday🌎
#earthday2020

Not only do I miss traveling, I also miss that awesome feeling that I get every time I return to sweet home Chicago. ❤️💙 #tbt #mychicagothursday #chicagohome #choosechicago #mychicagoday

How are you doing?
I'm celebrating day 33 of my self-quarantine!

While we are all stuck in our homes, I am enjoying seeing spring blossom all around... out my windows and during morning runs. 🌞

The daffodils have popped up, the birds are singing, and the cherry trees are starting to show off. It’s a quiet time to notice all the little beauty in nature all around us.🐦 Last year, I was fortunate to catch “peak bloom” of the hundreds of cherry trees in Newark’s Branch Brook Park.
🌸🌸🌸
Happy Spring everyone! Stay well at home! 🏡

Empty Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan.

Times are tough right now.
Days all feel way too similar like a real life version of the movie, Groundhog Day.

I'm having my own ups and downs but am trying hard to find joy in the tiny things... micro-joys in the little leaf buds on the trees outside my windows, in the red cardinal taking a rest on the oak branches, and of course in my super silky roommate and furry best friend, Bug.
Stay well and stay home friends.

It's a pain, but we're making a difference.
This too shall pass. ❤️

True story: I've had a crush on this guy since high school.
❤️❤️❤️

Check out my segway style! 👀

And then swipe left!

Last fall, I went on a little trip over to a new-to-me area in Ohio called Hocking Hills.
🍁🍂🦉 What an unexpected treat! My latest post highlights the beauty here in the foothills of the Appalachians of Hocking Hills State Park, plus all the passionate makers and entrepreneurs I met. From an apple orchard growing George Washington’s favorite variety to the United States’ only remaining washboard factory, it’s definitely worth a visit!
LINK in bio!
#myhockinghills
#hosted

Happy International Pizza Day!! 🍕
Chicago pizza is much more than deep dish. In fact more often than not, Chicagoans eat thin crust.
This gorgeously charred pie is a Neapolitan pizza from Eataly Chicago. Mangia!

Thinking back to hot days and tasty food last June in Scottsdale at FnB....while it's 18F here in Chicago! 😁 🌵

Traveling expands your horizons in so many ways and is one of the best ways to really learn about the world, culture, and people.
Check out this great travel scholarship opportunity for young Americans with financial need. 💜

HI USA is offering $1,000 travel awards with up to 7 free overnight stays at HI USA hostels across the country for young adults ages 18-30 with demonstrated financial need, so you can kick start your travel career right here in the U.S.

There are HI USA hostels all over the US in places like NYC, Chicago, New Orleans, DC, Cape Cod, Portland and San Francisco!

On your adventure, you'll experience the people, places, and cultures that make up our diverse and beautiful country. Check out the Program Details (link in bio!) to learn more about this travel scholarship and to see if you qualify.

Apply now! Or share with someone who qualifies!
DEADLINE: March 1

#HIUSAAMBASSADOR
#HIUSA
#EXPLOREAMERICA

Sometimes I clean up okay! 😘
New town, who dis? 😂💃

Feelin' fancy attending the annual Lehigh Valley Berks American Heart Association Heart Ball.

Made it extra special to wear my late grandmother's vintage earrings and bring my other late grandmother's vintage hand-beaded French clutch. 💗
#lvberksheartball
#3forheart

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year from Bethlehem, PA!

Baking my new favorite cookies, chocolate peppermint snaps!

Flour
White sugar
Brown sugar
Cocoa
Butter
Vanilla extract
Peppermint extract
Baking soda
Salt
Semi sweet chips

Happy Holidays!

I made my baba ghanoush last night to bring to a dinner! My trick is to add some mayo (plus tahini of course!) to make it really creamy.
Follow me for more infrequent recipes! 😂
But mostly travel+food. ❤️

I moved back to New Jersey one year ago this summer.
While I do miss cycling more during every day life in Chicago (for fun or just to go to grocery store!), I've been enjoying discovering Central New Jersey's many beautiful trails including the D&R Trail, the Columbia Trail, Henry Hudson Trail and riding around Duke Farms (first photo)!
There are a lot of beautiful areas to discover especially in Central and Western NJ in and around Hunterdon County. Scroll through pics and see that New Jersey is more beautiful and charming than many realize.
Then click on link in my bio to read the blog post in NJ Bike trails and get on your bike! 🚲

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Mojito

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