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
A Phoenix Hike in Fabletics
** This post about our hike contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Dreamy Draw Recreation Area The No. 1 activity I had planned during our weekend in Phoenix was a hike, even if it wasn't too challenging or long. I longed for the Phoenix sunshine, especially as we made ... Read more
Phoenix Virtual Half Marathon 2016
Just after Thanksgiving, I signed up for a virtual half-marathon. I was feeling a little lost since the Chicago Marathon. I wondered, what's next? The Phoenix Half Marathon was offering its virtual race to earn the first of five medals that will form the Copper Star: one large, amazing medal that will take five years to put together. I was in. I wasn't in Phoenix for the first race earlier in ... Read more
Phoenix Travel: Camby Hotel
Last week was yet another whirlwind. In my life, weeks are either super slow or an avalanche — there is no in between. On Wednesday night Graham and I went to his work holiday party. At 4 a.m. the next morning I was on my way to Midway Airport to travel to Phoenix for work and for my holiday party. I landed in Phoenix about 9 a.m., changed into Phoenix-weather appropriate clothing and ... Read more