It’s no secret I love Dell. So I was thrilled when they agreed to let me test their products and share them with my readers! You can read my review of the M101z netbook here.

I did want to do a personal post about the M101z, as we use it more for personal than business. I’m actually using the Windows Live Writer I refer to in the review. With just one click, I’m already in Sometimes Parenting Sucks and writing a post. No logging in, no clicking “New Post.” It’s definitely a new tool I’m adding to my repertoire.

The laptops come in 7 different “flavors.” I don’t know.it just makes me happier when I’m on a colorful laptop!

Max used the M101z when we were in Europe to play games. It’s perfectly sized for him, and I’d consider getting him one.

If you’re looking for a cute netbook, check out the M101z.

Yes, we’re back State side, and it’s good to be home. Loved, LOVED our trip, but as Dorothy knows, there’s no place like home.

It’s taken several days to step away from our European vacation and really see it. Only now are the stories starting to pour forth. But I’ve been thinking about this post for a week. What is it I want to take from our time in Europe?

1. Savor it. One thing I began to do in Europe was savor things. The mellow taste of a good brie. The golden light mid-morning in the south of France. All of us piled on the bed, amusing ourselves on our respective computers.

I know life gets busy and this gets hard, but it’s something I want to strive for. Whenever I’m rushed and stressed, I want to call upon the memory of that golden light I admired as we barreled towards Spain on a train.

2. Enjoy, Don’t Overindulge. This goes with #1, as well as what I learned in French Women Don’t Get Fat. Enjoy food, but don’t overdo it, or it takes the fun out of it. One glass of wine usually suffices. A bit of chocolate. Not the entire plate of potatoes, or the whole baguette. Savor the food, and when you’re done, put it down.

3. I Can Do Anything. People ask us jealously admiringly how we could take off and go to Europe for an entire month. We just did. But we’re not any more exceptional than anyone else (except that we both work from home, so that does factor in). We put our minds to it, saved up, and figured out how we’d still bring in money. And I know we could do it every year (or every other) if we decided to. I waited far too long to come to this realization.

4. We Have a Lot of Space. Staying in a 600 square foot apartment will make you appreciate your home, no matter its size. And we have a pretty big one. I dreamed about my kitchen, 8 times what we had in Europe (2 in the kitchen was a tight squeeze). I realize we have more than we need, but c’est the American Way.

5. There IS No Place Like Home. As much as I enjoyed our romantic stay, as much as I soaked up the French and the food, I love my home. But that’s the point of traveling, isn’t it? To go somewhere else, love the hell out of it, then go home, which you can appreciate all the more.

We’re not like most tourists. While we went to the Eiffel Tower, we’re much happier strolling the streets of our neighborhood. It’s the neighborhood that makes long-term travel fun.

It’s the man who works at the laundromat who greets us each time that makes our trip better. It’s the tiny grocery stores we frequent. It’s the people and places we see each day that gives us grounding and a sense of home in  our home away from home.

There’s a kebab shop we visit about 3 times a week. Not because the food is amazing. Well, it is, but it’s because the guys who work there are so nice to us. They take special interest in Max, and have finally coaxed a few words in French out of him. They asked about our trip to Barcelona, when we’re returning to the US, and if we’re happy or sad to be leaving. They see us across the street and wave. They make our pizzas extra large and hand them over with a wink. They’re an intregal part of what makes us comfortable here.

If you travel anywhere, I recommend renting an apartment rather than staying in a hotel. You’ll:

• Feel like part of a neighborhood
• Be away from tourist/pricey areas
• Get to cook and save money
• Have more space
• Have more fun!

We used HomeAway.com, and I highly recommend it.