Experience the Boston Tea Party!

This summer brought a lot of changes to our usual travel adventures-10 is a hard age for traveling and keeping  everyone happy! We decided now was a perfect time to bring history to life and take a trip to New England, our first stop-Boston, Massachusetts. I was really excited about Massachusetts in general because there is so much to see and do from Plymouth Rock to exploring the city. If you only have a short amount of time to explore I would highly recommend the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum. It is an interactive floating museum that does a great job recreating the Boston Tea Party and keeping everyone engaged.  Upon entering the museum you are escorted to "town hall" to learn about the events leading up to the revolution. Everyone receives a character card and the employees do such a great job making it feel like you have been taken back in time.

After a short town hall meeting it is time to board the ship! This was by far one of my daughters favorite parts of the museum because you get to partake in throwing "tea" overboard. I really enjoyed that the characters from the beginning led you through the ship and made you feel immersed in their lives and experiences. 

After participating on the ship you are led to an amazing interactive display that tells the events after the tea party. The holographic characters come to life right before your lives and tell their stories on how the events are changing the world rapidly. Looking around the room everyone was engaged and eager to see what happened to the characters as we progressed through the museum.

The absolute highlight for me was being able to see the last known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party and a vial of tea (currently on loan for 10 years from the Old North Foundation of Boston). Both are displayed in the museum for all to see as you progress through each room-I do not want to spoil anything but the history of the tea chest is one you do not want to miss!  Our children learned so much on the tour and I loved that it was presented in an interactive format that they will remember for years to come!

As an added bonus when the tour is over you can head upstairs to the tea room to purchase lunch or snack. I highly recommend a visit to Abigail's Tea Room to  try five of the tea blends that were thrown overboard during the Boston Tea Party. There are two options for the tea sampling one of which comes with the limited edition ceramic mug shown below. The tea room also serves delicious scones and sandwiches along with other great snacks.

Tickets can be purchased for the museum both in person at the street box office in front of the museum or online (online pricing does provide a discount).  I would recommend visiting the museum early in the day as it is a very popular attraction that has received many awards including the Best Historical Experience and the #1 Best Patriotic Attraction. As always if you have any questions or would like travel tips do not hesitate to reach out!

*All thoughts and opinions of the museum are my own, I was provided one admission ticket in exchange for my honest and fair review*

Harry Potter at Universal Studios

Our next stop is Universal Studios for our Harry Potter fan. She was so excited to find her special wand and do all things magical. Our first stop was Diagon Alley.

I was so impressed with how realistic the entire thing was-the shops, the people, even the brick. My daughter was on cloud nine and couldn't believe she was in Diagon Alley!

We had so much fun purchasing a new wand and trying out all the spells. The best part was that each magical spot had a witch or wizard ready to help to make sure your interactive wand would complete the trick.

Then it was time to board the Hogwararts express to go over to the school. I would say if you can only visit one park choose do Diagon Alley. It had so much more to offer and really was amazing. I cannot wait to go back with more time and explore the remainder of the park!

Welcome home-experimenting with peel and stick back splash

Our first room to redo is the kitchen. The entire house was painted beige when we moved in and was very dated so we knew that a little color and new appliances would really help bring the home to life.

The first step was picking a color. I went with a soft green paint that would be easy to clean and not very bright. We also changed everything to stainless steel appliances to make the kitchen pop. The biggest challenge was installing the new back splash.  I was very nervous about the overall appearance and quality of the "stickers".

Here are some tips:

1. Begin in a place that is not in the middle or in the open. We started behind the fridge which was wonderful since the first few pieces were crooked.

2. Once you stick it leave it-I tried removing several pieces and either ended up with ripped chunks of wall or with non sticky back splash.

3. Start in the corner-we had one spot that was very tricky and I tried to piece together other pieces making it look a bit crazy.


Overall I would say the room was a success and with the peel and stick I can easily change my mind! Now for the after photo:

Our new adventure-Fairy Garden!

I have been looking for something our family could do together and found a delightful fairy garden store on our latest travel. So far we have the following:

Originally we had planned to put in the backyard but now I think we will get one large planter. Do you have a favorite place to find fairy garden items? I am very excited to add more things to our garden as we grow.

West Virgina-World's Largest Teapot!

Hi All! Time for us to take another short trip before school begins. This week's adventure was to Chester, West Virginia to visit the world's largest teapot.

It was one of the more adventurous trips we have taken in some time. Off the side of the interstate you will find a very large teapot.

We happened to be there during the annual teapot festival so my daughter was excited to order food from the giant window...I really do think they should offer tea all year long!

Down the road we were also able to explore the Fiesta Ware Factory. The best part was the "graveyard" of broken ceramics and seeing all of the fun things you can do with the bowls and plates.

I would say it is a great weekend trip to get off the map for a few days! Have you ever been? What are your favorite finds in Chester, West Virginia?

Healthy snacks delivered to your door!

Since going back to work full time I have been trying to find a way to make our weekly errands easier on everyone. I used to have to go to three stores or more looking for snacks that my daughter would eat and were portable. She likes to change up snacks so often it is hard to keep up and buy in bulk so it made for a very time consuming shopping experience. While at my mom group a few weeks ago one of them suggested a great solution to my problem-Graze. It is an awesome service to get snacks by mail that has over 100 options!  My favorite part of the snack box is that you have a say in what you would like to have in your box. You simply tell Graze what you like and they send a customized snack box. Here is the box that we received:

My favorite in the entire box was the pretzels with dip and the mix of freeze dried fruit. My daughter actually tried rhubarb and loved the way it tasted! I like that the containers are all sealed and I can throw it in the book bag or my purse for a healthy afternoon snack pick me up. The snacks are the perfect portion to be satisfying and perfect portion control.

Other highlights of Graze boxes are that they contain no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Another great way to eat your Graze box is using as a mix in for a fuller meal. We often mix our seeds and freeze dried fruit into some homemade yogurt for a great breakfast! 

Order your Graze box here with zero commitment as they do not require you to get a minimum subscription. This is a great way to introduce your family to new foods without buying large portions.   What is your favorite Graze box snack?

Tsum Tsum party time!

I cannot believe little miss is going to be 8 in a few short weeks! This year our family party is Tsum Tsum which is not an easy task. My first goal is to create birthday favors on a budget! I really wanted to capture the essence of a giant tsum tsum without the cost of buying a favor box so I began to think and found the perfect solution-toilet paper rolls!

For this project you will need:

Toilet paper or paper towel rolls
Construction Paper and Glue or Paint
card stock for end of roll
 Printer for the faces
small prizes

Step one:

We decided it was easier to use toilet paper  to keep all characters consistent. Once you have the tsum tsum faces printed you hot glue to one end of the toilet paper roll.

Step two:

We then covered the tube in glue from a glue stick and rolled it in normal colored printer paper:

Some of the paper was a little lumpy so we trimmed close to size on the others and made sure the seam of the paper was on the bottom of the roll. We also tucked the paper in the end for a more finished look.

Step three:

Fill with prizes. We used erasers, small plastic animals, a foam key chain, and necklace. Be sure not to over stuff of the head will be pushed off.

Step Four.

Glue the end with the face down and place card stock or thicker paper on the end. Do not flip the tube until it is completely dry or everything will fall out.

Step five:
Once dry flip over and trim off the excess paper. Enjoy your tsum tsum its a great favor and a craft everyone can help with!

Relax and enjoy Kneipp

As we get closer and closer to my daughter's birthday and Easter I begin to get more and more stressed. We also have her First Communion this year so it will be 4 parties back to back for half of March and April! With that being said I am always trying to find ways to relax and recharge before taking on the day. My new go to product is Kneipp lavender bath oil.

 

Just a tiny cap full can turn your entire bathroom into a relaxing oasis. My husband loves how the oil is light yet carries over  our home to create a light fragrance.  My daughter's favorite product is the lavender bubble bath. 

I like that the smell is not overwhelming and she can relax without me worrying about hurting her body with a fake product. The bubble bath is blue and does need to be applied under running water-my daughter once applied directly to the skin which can leave a slight tint....lesson learned always read the label!

Kneipp products are vegan and sustainable.  I always like to support a company that creates healthy products for the environment and your body.  There are so many choices including products for men, women, and children. We also love the bath salts and lotions for a grease free finish.  Have you ever tried Kneipp? It is available on Amazon and on the Kneipp Official Store!

Mother's Day is Saturday!

This entire year has flown by and I cannot believe we are already in early May! As usual I have put off ordering flowers for my mom and mother in law for Mother's Day....thank goodness for Teleflora! This year they are doing another campaign called "Love Makes a Mom" with fantastic videos on what makes all of us special moms in our own way.
Here is one of my favorite:

When we begin on this crazy journey of motherhood you really have no idea what you will get but I wouldn't trade a second. I am a firm believer that "good moms" come from having "good moms" so I want to be sure my mom/mother in law know that we appreciate them. This year I will be sending amazing bouquets that fit each of their personalities.
For my mom she will receive the Teleflora's Heart's Pirouette Bouquet with soft pink roses, white lilies, and lavender in an amazing glass vase

My mother in law on the other hand will receive the Teleflora's Country Beauty Boquet with carnations, pink blooms, and a stoneware crock that is safe to serve and store food. She loves when she can reuse things and this vase/stoneware crock will be a perfect addition to her kitchen.

I myself choose the Teleflora's Winged Beauty Bouquet. The flowers are absolutely stunning and smell amazing. I also love the pop of color and keepsake vase that will be used throughout our home all summer long.

 It's not to late or order your mom or special person an amazing, handcrafted bouquet for Mother's Day! Flowers come from local florists and are delivered fresh and quickly. I am always so impressed with the quality of flowers and how long they last. Get in your order in now-Saturday will be here before you know it! #LoveOutLoud #Teleflora

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it!

Can you believe it is already February? That means its my favorite time of year....everything is pink and red and hearts galore! Every year my favorite part of Valentine's Day is surprising my daughter with flowers and a new charm for her bracelet. This year we went with a piano themed charm and beautiful flowers from Teleflora-our go to florist!Look at this beautiful Valentine's day display, the Red Haute Bouquet! 

I love the handle and charm on the vase which has lace detail-such attention to details! The arrangement includes red roses, carnations, and white alstroemeria. The combination smells divine-even our puppy loved them! 

Teleflora is also offering other great choices including the Swirling Desire Bouquet

with a dramatic array of red roses, hot pink oriental lilies, gerberas, and red Valentine’s Day blooms that arrives ready to enjoy in this striking glass vase. 

and the Swirling Desire Bouquet

with a dramatic array of red roses, hot pink oriental lilies, gerberas, and red Valentine’s Day blooms that arrives ready to enjoy in this striking glass vase.

 

There are so many great choices-in so many price ranges that you will be sure to find something that is perfect! Because they deliver quickly there is still time to order a hand made creation for your loved one! #teleflora #loveoutloud

 

 

Is your table ready for guests?

The holiday season is upon us-are you ready to #LoveOutLoud? Christmas and New Year's are my favorite time of year because we make a point to see all of our family. This year we are starting a new tradition and bringing our family to our home. Everyone received an invitation and gas card as a surprise in the mail to join us for four days of family. Of course with family coming I knew I needed the perfect decorations! @Telefora is my go to when it come to centerpieces and this year was no exception. Look at the amazing holiday line up-so many options for every decorating style:

I especially love the theme this year of “Love Out Loud”. My grandma was the true spirit of the season and did so many special things for so many people...you always felt she was listening and you were her main focus. I try to remember this lesson with my own children and really focus on them and look them in the eye so they know that I am listening. While my grandma never had a chance to meet my family I like to bring her traditions and pieces of my childhood alive especially during the holiday season. This year I was very excited to see this particular option for centerpieces:

We lost my husband's grandmother this year and I think the two candles will be a perfect representation of their love during this time when our family gathers. The centerpiece is stunning in person and the roses smell amazing as always. I cannot wait to go around the room and share our special memories of those we have lost before lighting the candles.

Haven't got your decorations yet? It's not late! Telefora works with 10,000 local florists who design your arrangement by hand and deliver to your day-often on the same day! I love that I will be able to use the vase year and after year! What is your favorite holiday tradition? Also you can follow Teleflora on Facebook and tag your own #LoveOutLoud moment.

Flashback post-stay tuned for a 5 year review!

Five years ago we attended the first wow summit and here is how it changed my life:

Going Organic-Is it for you?

Four years ago I began a downward spiral of medical disorders. It started with limbs going numb then on to slurred speech and constant pain and stomach problems. The short list of my recent diagnosis of the last six months includes Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and on and on. Of course my first thought was how I had horrible genetics and how could I feel this bad everyday still being in my 20's. After visiting a genetic specialist I really thought being on 6-7 medications was going to be my life...I mean these were specialist how could they be wrong? Then this past weekend my life changed for the better-I attended the amazing WOW Summit by Mom's Meet-Just look at all these great bloggers trying to do the WOW sign:

So at this amazing conference I heard the most amazing feedback in a break out session. There was another person just like me-countless diagnosis and at the end of the line. I came home full of hope-could you really "heal" your body with food? So I began to search the web and guess what-I found story after story of people that went organic and started to feel better. Now I am not saying that every health condition can be healed by changing your diet but I do think that it can help with many of my symptoms. Follow me on my journey of finding great tasting organic products and healing my body. Also I will be posting various articles about the truth of GMO's (genetically modified plants/organisms) and how we may be poisoning ourselves without even realizing the cost. Join me as I travel down the organic path and train myself to eat healthy and clean!


*Stay tuned for an amazing review of all the growth and amazing knowledge I learned this year at the 5 year anniversary! *

Almost time for Halloween!

That's right my favorite time of year is right around the corner! This week I am in charge of my daughter's school snack and I am going to go with an old friend-the teeth monster donuts!

I have tried this twice in the past and mine never look quite this excellent. I usually just buy donuts at the bakery and find teeth at the dollar store-we use the color vampire teeth. For eyes we have tried mm's and sixlets. The sixlets or any round ball candy seem to work much better. Overall they are a hit for each class! 

"Cool Mee" Car Seat/Stroller liner

Fall is quickly turning to winter but the weather is so crazy! We start the day at 40 and by the afternoon I am sweating from my now over dressed wardrobe. Unfortunately my daughter feels the heat way more than I do-she gets so sweaty it is out of control! Because she is still in her stroller most of the time she gets a really sweaty back from the stroller and car seat because there is no ventilation! Lucky me I found a great solution-the "Cool Mee" Seat Liner by Meeno Babies. The seat liner is universal which means I can take it from the my car seat and use it in both cars (although once you use the product I would buy one for each!) and is available for infant and toddler cars eats and strollers. The liner is also a great solution for proper padding and to reduce stains on the seat. Since we have but the seat on I feel that my daughter is cooler and when she falls asleep in the car in the sun her back is no longer drenched with sweat! Want to know where to buy your very own? The website has a great link of retailers here based on state!

Is your pet a messy eater? Introducing the Neater Feeder!

Do you have pets? We have both cats and dogs which means my day goes something like this-

1. feed pets
2. clean up little bits of corners that cats decided not to eat
3. wipe up water cat spilled putting foot in bowl
4. feed dog again since he spilled his whole bowl while digging for certain pieces
5. get wet socks from more spilled water and stuck on bits of half chewed food
6. Finally give up  on the mess and prepare to leave in a wet/pet food covered laundry floor!

If you can relate I have the world's best product for you-the Neater Feeder! At first I was a little skeptical and thought it would be just another bowl that we tried and failed BUT if has been two months and I confess I do not know how I lived without the bowl. We have one for our large dog and it has been amazing!

He can eat his food and dig for pieces without making a giant mess. Here is better photo of the design:

All of the spills go underneath the feeder for a quick clean. There is this amazing filter that keeps the food from the water so no more having to waste tons of dog food that falls onto the floor or worry about the food getting wet. There are also great extensions that come with the bowl so you decide how tall or short the bowl should be at any given time. We absolutely love our Neater Feeder!