ORLANDO FAMILY VACATION

As a family we haven’t been on vacation in years. Some of my siblings started to have children, others have funky work schedules, and then with covid we just couldn’t get it together. With my niece’s 5th birthday approaching. ( inserts tears), my sister and I decided to kickstart her celebration by heading to Orlando to do DISNEY!!!

There was a total of 9 of us. 7 adults and 2 children ages 4 and 1. Take a read below to hear how our trip went and a few details that could help you when you plan your trip to DISNEY.

Flight Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes Philadelphia-Orlando. I flew spirit and had no issues at all. Round Trip-$136 with a checked bag each way.

Day 1: I arrived late my family had already gotten the rental, checked in the house, went to dinner, and were chillin by the pool once I arrived.

Day 2: We ventured off to see what was around. There was a Publix about 6 minute drive from our house. We decided to enjoy the house and have a pool party. We cooked out with hot dogs and hamaburgers, some cocktails, listen to music on the speaker , laughed and played cards.

Day 3: DISNEY WORLD me and the girls loaded the van up and headed to Magic Kingdom. I think 5 and up is the perfect age for this park, the kids know what they like and can enjoy mostly all the rides. Lots of walking and lots of sun so bring your shades, water, and sun hat. The park was really fun, I do suggest getting the lighting pass if you can and also for children who are not use to walking bring your stroller or wagon.

Day 4: We headed to downtown Orlando. We stopped at the Premium outlets and did some shopping, great deals and friendly staff. They had everything from Old Navy to Gucci so whatever your budget is you’ll find something for you. About 10 mins from the outlets was OLD TOWN it had a slight carnival/ theme park vibe vibes mixed with like, bars and restaurants, gift shops, ice cream etc. Directly across the road was the WORLD of FOOD TRUCKs here they had over 40 food trucks with a variety of different cuisines spanish, chinese, america, italian whatever you could think of. This area also had live music, I highly recommend putting this stop on your itinerary.

Day 5: We enjoyed the house and ventured off to the community amenities which was a 2 min drive or a 8 minute walk from our rental home. You are given a badge and they have a full-size pool, lazy river, kids play zone, movie theater, tiki bar, restaurants, massages, cabanas, volleyball, golf, and several other things that as a guest you have all access to.

Day 6: Time to head home. We cleaned, packed, loaded the car and headed to the airport. SHOUT OUT to TSA precheck. A MUST if you travel a lot and even more a must if you have children.

The kids had the best time and we had an amazing time as well being able to relax while also enjoying a different everyday vibe.

Below I listed all the agencies that helped make our trip a smooth success.

Rental Agency: Lost in the Magic https://www.lostinthemagic.com/

Location: Champions Gate

Car Rental: Turo

Disney Park: Magic Kingdom

Supermarket: Publix

Must Haves Items for Disney Park

• Sunscreen

• Sun Hat

• Sunglasses

Things to do OUTSIDE of DISNEY

• Crayola Experience

• Fun Spot America

• The Wheel at ICON Park

• Old Town

• Premium Outlets

• Zoo

MAY GIFT GUIDE

A few ideas for last-minute gifts for your loved ones, whether you’re celebrating a Birthday, Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day or a Graduation. These gifts are bound to be a great surprise.

Ninja Foodi Grill

Perfume Organizer

Apple Airpods Pro

Luxury Candles

I love perfume and it now has become one of my favorite gifts. What are some gifts you have listed for yourself?

Spring Cleaning

Spring has arrived! The start of a new season brings the opportunity to reset, restart, and refocus. So why not apply this mindset to your home, your workspace, and even your everyday life? It’s important for us to clean and get rid of the old and welcome the new. So how do you go about SPRING CLEANING in all areas of your life?

Read on to look at what SPRING-CLEANING looks like to me and how It’s possible to achieve this inside your home, personally, and professionally.

A new season is here let’s get rid of everything (jk) don’t do that, let’s just liven up the place. A few simple things that can get your house ready for spring at minimum cost.

Home

1. Dust and clean those baseboards, because you don’t realize how much dust accumulates there and once it’s gone how much lighter your home might look and feel.

2. Change out your curtains. You can purchase new curtains that aren’t so dark and that will welcome the outside light.

3. Purchase a new comforter/duvet set. Since spring has arrived you may want something of lighter weight that makes the room look different by switching up the color or design.

4. Change your kitchen towels, sponges, and dishcloths to switch up the color or design you don’t realize how much something so small can make a difference.

5. Change the color scheme in your bathrooms. Get new rugs, washcloths, towels, and shower curtains if you’re lucky enough not to have glass doors. Purchase a few artificial plants and watch you be wowed at how they liven up the room. I’ve linked some similar to the ones in my two bathrooms. Mini Bathroom Plants

6. Purchase a few throw pillows for the couch to add a burst of new color into your living room. I think this year I’ll go green, the sage green color is my favorite right now. These pillows will be some new light to my couch.  Sage Green Throw Pillows

7. Purge your winter clothes and get rid of things that you know you aren’t going to wear again. The Goodwills are always accepting donations (it’s a tax write-off).

Winter is gone and hopefully that means we are finish with the snow. Now that the sun is out longer hopefully your moods will improve and your productivity will increase.

Personally

1. Reach out to someone who’s been on your mind that you just haven’t had time to call.

2. Do some self-care activities to help you reset. Daylights saving took me out this year. But to help me relax I’ll go to Solange Beauty Bar for a nice mini facial. (She’s located in West Philadelphia and her IG is @solangebeauty__)

3. Go through your email and delete things that you no longer need, the coupon code that expired, the newsletter you never opened, the flight promotion that ended. Delete it ALL.

4. Take some time to go through your shoes thoroughly, get rid of the ones you refuse to wear, that hurt your feet, get rid of the ones that were gifts that you know you’ll never wear, and get rid of those dingy flip flops you been holding on to from last summer.

5. Go through your sock drawer/ basket and the ones without a match, with a hole, with the bleach stain… Sis it’s time to let them go.

6. Call your car insurance company and ask them are there any discounts that you qualify for? For those that are working remotely make sure to mention that you’d be surprised by the discount you receive. Lastly, ask them to run your new driver score but only if you haven’t had any accidents or speeding tickets lately. I recently called and saved about $100.00 a month from discounts that I qualified for that weren’t on my account.

Professionally

1. Go through your work email and answer those emails that you’ve never responded to.

2. Delete all the newsletter emails that no longer serve you.

3. Review your benefits, increase what you need and decrease what you don’t need.

4. Make sure your beneficiary information for your place of employment is up to date.

5. Get rid of the work clothes that no longer suit you.

This is just a small list of the things that I have done in honor of the spring season. These little changes will allow for a new look the home, more space the closet, and some savings that you can spend on good eats. Hopefully at least one item on this list helps you to spring forward this season.

What are some things that you do for SPRING-CLEANING?

My Puerto Rico Experience

Recently I got to celebrate my 29th birthday in PUERTO RICO! An amazing experience was an understatement. This was our 3rd trip here and each time we get to experience something new.

This trip was a time for me to relax and enjoy my birthday, however, I’m also a full-time student and right after we got back would be a midterm week, so I had to incorporate homework, studying, and zoom calls while on vacation. No biggie, it’s all a part of the end goal! I did spend some mornings on zoom calls, doing some schoolwork, and studying. But nonetheless, I got to have fun in Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico has so many amazing sights, such as beaches, mountains, and rainforests. It also has other landscapes, food, and a lot of culture. There is so much to do on this island and no matter what you choose you’re guaranteed to have a great time! First, determine what you’re absolute must are and plan from there.

So, are you looking for some Puerto Rico travel advice? Trying to narrow down the list to what to put on your itinerary? To help you out I’ll enlighten you on my Puerto Rico Travel experiences.

Where to Stay in Puerto Rico

Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort

This resort is on the beach with a beachfront view you get an amazing glance at the beautiful waters. This hotel offers a buffet-style breakfast, an outdoor restaurant and bar for lunch and dinner, and a rooftop restaurant. Lobby casino and a parking garage. This hotel is within walking distance to some great restaurants and bars.

Embassy Suites

This hotel was great very family-friendly. They provided a complimentary hot buffet breakfast, complimentary happy hour at 5:30 daily, and a $10 voucher to their on-site casino. There was a little shop in the lobby that sold snacks and goodies and handmade pizzas to order. The pool view was amazing accompanied by a beach bar and outdoor food court. This hotel was about a block and half from the beach and a block away from CVS. As an Embassy guest, you have the luxury of complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas that were available once you got to the beach. In addition, there are waiters that provide menus for drinks and food on the beach.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront resort, luxury resorts, mountain views, boutique-style resorts, the options are limitless. My suggestion is to read the reviews and make sure the amenities that you desire are included. Next year, we plan to try the Sonesta beach resort which is near the other hotels mentioned above.

Things to do in Puerto Rico

1. Rum Distillery Tour

   Ron Del Barrilito. They have several different options for the tours the Heritage tour shows you a peek into the history and craftsmanship of Ron del Barrilito. The Mixology tour consists of an interactive class that shows you how to make some amazing drinks. The last tour they offer is the tasting tour which is an opportunity to sip and enjoy all their rums. This rum is not sold in the U.S., so be sure to get a bottle there or at the airport!

2. Old San Juan

   Old San Juan is among the top-visited sites for visitors. The history, the sites, the food, the ambiances are so beautiful. Some of the most beautiful architects, and colorful buildings. This requires quite a bit of walking so wear comfortable shoes. The cobblestone streets, the boutique-style hotels, the musicians on the streets, the various food vendors, and quaint shops. You’re bound to find something for the whole family to enjoy. During your time in Old San Juan, you’ll have beautiful views of the San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Horseback Riding

   Ever been horseback riding through beautiful scenery and then on the beach? Well, the horseback riding tours happen each day and are around 2.5 hours. (Approximately two stops at a beach bar and at the beach). Be prepared to make a new friend with your horse and take on the adventure your ride has to offer.

4. Helicopter Ride

   Puerto Rico Helitours have a few options the Discover Old San Juan tour is a tour where you get to see some historic monuments but from above. The enchanted shore tour allows you to see both Old San Juan and the beautiful coast of Puerto Rico. The last tour is the Green Escape which allows you to see all the history, the mountains, the coast, and the city but from above. This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!. The price ranged from $75 to-$300 per person.

5. Jet Skis

   If you choose to stay in Carolina or at one of the resorts mentioned above, there is a Jet Ski rental right on the beach. The price was $90 per person for 30 mins. They offer a picture and go-pro package to document your trip. Dope experience you can also do two passengers if only one person chooses to drive.

6. Food Tour

   If you want to taste the various foods from the Puerto Rican culture, I definitely recommend taking part in a food tour where you can sample different cuisines famous in Puerto Rico.

7. Rainforest El Yunque

   The beautiful national rainforest in Puerto Rico is the ONLY tropical forest in the National Forest system. One of the most popular tourist sites and beautiful gems this island has to offer. Whether you choose to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, swim in the beautiful waters under the waterfall, or hike along the various trails it will be a great time.

8. La Placita de Santurce

   Marketplace by day and a total vibe at night. Around 6 pm this becomes the place to be. A variety of different bars and lounges drink specials, and plenty of music to enjoy. The nightlife lives here.

Places to Eat in Puerto Rico

1. Barrachina Restaurant -indoor/outdoor venue and creator of the PINA COLADA

2. Chido’s-If you love tacos like me this place is a must!!

3. STK-Steakhouse with an amazing ambiance, great drinks, and spectacular serving sizes .

4. La Factoría- listed in the World’s Best Bar.

5. La Grieta-Beautiful outdoor setting right on a cobblestone block tucked off the main roads. Night ambiance with the lights, drinks, and the city traffic.

6. Kiosko El Boricua-looking for some good local food this is the absolute place to be. Fried foods and Puerto Rican Culture.

Must-Have Items

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Mosquito Repellent

• Travel Tripod-This was my favorite item we got so many great pictures using it without having to ask strangers to take them. (Check out some of the photos above)

• Lip Balm

• Beach Hat

• Swimsuits

• Sneakers/Walking Shoes

How to get around

I love that where we stay is so close to things to do that we always just uber around. Ubers are normally less than $20.00.

I’d suggest you rent a car if you plan to go on an independent excursion to hike the various beautiful trails and mountains this island has to offer.

To end our trip on the 4th day we had breakfast at the hotel and enjoyed the complimentary hot breakfast buffet with a made-to-order omelet bar (my favorite). We took our last swim and enjoyed the pool for a few hours before heading to our room to shower and check out. We had a mid-evening flight, so we headed to Old San Juan for lunch and some more sightseeing. The hotel held our bags which was perfect because the airport is less than five minutes away, so a quick pit stop in our uber to the hotel then off to the airport to head back to Philadelphia.

What are you looking forward to when you plan your Trip to Puerto Rico?

Morning Routine

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Jumpstart your morning!

I tend to be more of a morning person in the Spring and Summer months. I work an eight hour shift Monday through Friday. My workday starts at 7am and ends 3pm.

What do my mornings look like?

My boyfriend’s (Julian) first alarm goes off at 5:30am and the second one at 5:45am.  I only ever hear the last one if that hahaha. So that leaves me a few minutes to attempt to go back to sleep until my alarm rings.

Since daylight savings time I struggle with getting up. With some trial and error, I was able figure out a schedule that works for me. When Julian leaves in the morning for work he opens the curtains so whatever light is beginning to rise I can see it and it helps me to get going.

WEEKDAY MORNINGS

• 1st Alarm Sounds

• 2nd Alarm Sounds. Absolute latest I can get out the bed.

• Drink a cup of water (I usually have a bottle or cup on my nightstand)

• Make the bed (seeing a made bed just makes you feel super accomplished at 6 am)

• Bathroom, shower, brush teeth and wash face – I now use this in-shower moisturizer that saves me so much time from having to lotion in the morning (Thanks, Troye) I linked it here……… Curel Hydratheraphy Wet Skin Moisturizer

• STRETCH

• Get dressed for the day.

• Morning Journal/ Daily Scripture

• Enjoy a cup of hot green tea. I just purchased a new teapot for my morning beverages Primula Stewart Tea Kettle

For the first 30 minutes to an hour, I plan out my workday during this time, grab some snacks and my custom tumbler full of lemon water (Thanks, Tatrea) I’ll link her Instagram here for you to order yours. And I head into the field to work for the day (@tatreascreativeenterprise).

This morning routine has aided in more productive and prosperous mornings. I hope something from my routine helps you to be more productive in the mornings!

What do you do in the morning to jump start your day?

What do you NEED in your toiletry bag? The ultimate checklist

Packing can cause anxiety. Trust me I know. I overthink packing so much that I tend to forget the most important things in my toiletry bag, and always must make an emergency stop at the closet CVS. So, to avoid that going forward for you and me, I constructed a list of things that are commonly needed and used when away from home. Screenshot the checklist, print it, write it down do whatever just make sure you have everything you need packed in your toiletry bag for your next trip.

The Must Haves

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Lotion

• Soap/Bodywash

• Razor

• Brush/Comb

• Edge Control

• Perfume/Body Spray

• Lip Balm/ Lip Gloss/ Lipstick

• Facial wash

For Some

• Contact Solution

• Contact Case

• Eyeglasses

• Feminine Hygiene Products- Sanitary Napkins/Pad

• Advil/Excedrin/Tylenol

• Birth Control

Purse Necessities

• Lip balm

• Wallet

• Phone

• Keys

• Hand sanitizer

• Mask