When searching for an affordable, beachfront hotel option in the upper Florida Keys, I came across the Guy Harvey Outpost Islander Resort. The photos caught my eye, and the resort had decent reviews on Booking.com. I booked a three-night stay for us to explore the Keys during our recent trip. (If you'd like to try Booking.com, consider using my link.) When we drove up to the resort, an ... Read more
Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom With Our Toddler
Being able to visit Disney World's Animal Kingdom park was an unexpected treat. I wasn't sure if we'd make it, but we were gifted park-hopper passes by a generous friend. We woke up early that day to make it on the Disney shuttle bus by 8:30 a.m. and arrive at the park around opening time. It was a chilly Florida day -- really. It was in the 50s and 60s thanks to a cold ... Read more
Travel Wish List | 5 Places to Go
** This post contains affiliate links. Canva I was inspired by the New York Times' 52 places to go in 2017 article to share five places I have on my travel bucket list. Some are half a world away and some are right next door, as you will see below. What's on your travel list? Five places to consider: 1. Thailand is at the top of my list. If I could go anywhere in the world right this ... Read more
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida
When I researched things to do in the Florida Keys, I came across the Turtle Hospital, a facility that rescues, rehabilitates and releases sea turtles. I was thrilled about the chance to see my favorite animal up close, so I made reservations for a tour of the hospital in Marathon, Florida, during our stay on Islamorada in the Keys. (Islamorada is about an hour and forty minutes from Key West, in ... Read more
Disney World: A Day at Magic Kingdom With a Toddler
I survived a day at Magic Kingdom with a toddler! Our magical day began when the two of us walked over to the Disney bus stop from our hotel room in Casitas 2 at Coronado Springs resort. When we arrived at Magic Kingdom just after it opened at 9 a.m., the park's entrance was as packed as you'd expect, but the security line moved quickly. I wanted to head over to the stroller rentals, but we ... Read more
Visiting Coronado Springs and Disney Springs
Day 1 of our time at Disney World was about getting to know the area, which can be a little overwhelming given its enormous size. We checked into Disney's Coronado Springs Resort early Wednesday afternoon and began the day by wandering the grounds, having lunch and settling in. I was a bit nervous to see the signs warning about alligators around the water, especially with a toddler. The property ... Read more
Visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium With a Toddler
** This post contains affiliate links. Victoria and I spent a windy day in Clearwater at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is known for being a filming location for the movie "Dolphin Tale." You'll learn much about the movie and Winter, the dolphin who played herself in it, when you visit. We arrived at Clearwater Marine Aquarium about 10:30 a.m., just after it opened. A nearby church ... Read more
Chicago to Clearwater Road Trip
On Friday, we set off on our first road trip as a family. When we told people we were planning to drive to Florida from Chicago, we got some shocked expressions. "You're going to drive to Florida with a toddler?!" Yes, we did. The only person whining was me, to be honest. Victoria is easily entertained with her toys and tablet, and she has no problem sleeping in the car. I, on the other hand, get ... Read more
Phoenix Hike: White Tank Mountains
When you have time in Phoenix, you'd be crazy to not spend some of it hiking. One beautiful area to consider visiting is the White Tank Mountains Regional Park. It's about a 35-minute drive from central Phoenix in Waddell, but it's worth the trek. It's an expansive park with opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, picnics, mountain biking and exploring. Last time I visited the park was when I ... Read more
Phoenix Eats: Pure Sushi
One of the best parts about visiting my old Phoenix neighborhood is seeing it grow from when we lived there. It was already becoming a dining hot spot when we moved to Chicago in 2015, and even more change has come about since then. One of the newest restaurants I've tried is Pure Sushi at the Colony development near Seventh Street and Missouri in Phoenix. It's next to the Herb Box and Stock and ... Read more