Most people when they make plans to go to Disney World, decide to wait until their children are older. Not me! I believe in making memories even at a young age. I would have taken my youngest when she was a year old, but being in the military doesn't always make vacation times easy. I had already taken my vacation to visit my dad who was dying at the time, so had used much of my vacation time for that year. When you go to Disney World I recommend staying at least 4-5 days. We decided to wait another year, but then my mother got sick and once again, vacation saved meant taking another trip to the Caribbean. However once she turned 3 (preschooler is ages 3-5), I decided that we had put it off long enough and planned a 2 week trip to Florida, and did not only Disney World but also Universal Studios, Orlando. And what an amazing time we all had. However if you're like me, and age doesn't matter, here are a few things that you SHOULD do with your preschooler, and toddlers, at Disney World.


Make a Plan
This is extremely important, no matter what you plan to do, make a plan and stick to it! Keep your child on as normal of a schedule as you can while on your trip to prevent meltdowns. (This includes eating schedules.) Schedule in breaks, and don’t be afraid to use the baby care centers that are available throughout the park. They offer a nice area to sit down, calm your child down, feed and/or change them, etc. Do not skip the naps. NAPS?!  UGH! I know! I am such a buzz-kill. If you don’t take time and rest during the day – everyone will pay for it later. Cranky toddlers are infectious and you will soon have a cranky mom and a cranky dad. Add in a cranky older sibling or two and put a fork in the day because it is D-O-N-E.

Strollers
Strollers are a must! Even if your child rarely uses a stroller right now, bring one! Disney is huge, and your child is going to need a break from walking. Unless you plan on carrying them around all day, use a stroller to keep their energy for the rides and prevent exhaustion. Bring a big ribbon or something you can tie to the handle to easily identify your stroller from others. Your stroller may not be exactly where you left it as Cast Members need to keep the area tidy and organized, so you want something that will stand out to you.


Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is your go to park with a toddler. It has the most rides, and the most fun for your little one that won’t cause hassles. There are a few rides that have height requirements and tons of rides that will be fun for your little one. From Peter Pan’s Flight and the Jungle Cruise, to Dumbo and the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, your child is going to have the most fun they have ever had! If the weather is warm, let your little one get wet at Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station. Toddlers love water!


Epcot
Epcot is sometimes thought of as the ‘grown up’ park, but there are lots for little ones here! Ride The Seas with Nemo and Friends and then head over and learn how to talk whale at Turtle Talk with Crush. Take some time to view all the aquariums here – there are so many fish and other aquatic life to see. There are even REAL dolphins! Around World Showcase, there are 11 different Kidcot Fun Stops that are geared just for your preschooler. They can learn about the world in toddler fashion and collect stamps from each stop. And of course, you can’t miss Frozen Ever After, which is opening in just a few weeks!


Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is alright for toddlers and makes a nice ‘break day’. If staying at the park for more than just 2 or 3 days, you will need a day of small, simple activities to take a break from the big park areas and heavily populated sections and rides. Animal Kingdom has plenty of tours, rides and attractions that provide simple entertainment. Rides like the Triceratops Spin are short and fun. See wild animals up close at Kilimanjaro Safaris. Your little one will also love watching Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo – The Musical. There is also the amazing Flights of Wonder that showcases different birds that your little one may even get a chance to interact with. As a parent, this will be a nice break for you and fun and entertaining for your little one! Don’t forget to stop at The Boneyard before you go and let your toddler burn off some energy.  You can even take a train up to Rifiki’s Planet Watch where there is a petting zoo!


Hollywood Studios
If you plan properly, Hollywood Studios is great for toddlers! There are many shows and rides that are offered that are kid friendly, and provide a nice day of not so busy rides and lines. It’s a good idea to use FastPass+ and plan out what shows you would like to see at what times. Toy Story Midway Mania is a hit for kids of all ages – and even the adults! The shows are entertaining for children, such as Disney Jr. Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, and Beauty and The Beast. If your toddler loves Star Wars, don’t miss The Launch Bay! They can trade with a Jawa and even meet some of their heroes – and maybe even a ‘bad guy’!


Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a great place to spend the day if you want to take a break from the Theme Parks. It requires no admission. Your toddler can build their own racecar at the Lego store and race it against other kids’ creations. If your little one loves dinosaurs you will want to be sure to make reservations for T-Rex or dine in a rainforest at The Rainforest Café (be sure to make reservations starting 180 days in advance). You can also see very fancy boats on display at The Boathouse Restaurant. Don’t forget to stop at Goofy’s Candy Company for something sweet to eat.


Fireworks
Most children love a good fireworks show. Three of the four theme parks offer this nighttime treat nearly every night. Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot, Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Wishes nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom. Check the park’s times guide for that day for details. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere hearing the big bangs and missing out! If your child is afraid of loud noises, you may want to bring protective ear wear or stay out of the fireworks areas completely during this time. You may also want to look into a fireworks dessert party, which is currently offered for Wishes and Illuminations. This will allow you and your family to relax in a VIP seating area and snack on yummy treats and beverages. Your toddler has some breathing room this way and is free to move around the party area.


As you can see, there is LOTS for little ones at Walt Disney World. You don’t have to ‘wait until they are older’ to plan your family’s next visit. And if you're interested in more Disney tips and tricks, you can check out my friend Rachel's blog, The Dreamer Family. Rachel is a Disney travel agent and former Disney Parks Moms Panelist, so she certainly knows what she's talking about.

Let's discuss: What will your little one be excited about the most?

Note: All photos are my personal photos from past trips to Walt Disney World, with the exception of Madison in her Mickey Ears, which was taken at Disneyland Paris.

I have recently started working out and hitting the gym. I have come to the realization that the only person responsible for my health is me and I need to get my body in tip top shape. When I was in the army, I worked out every single day. I did 5 mile runs, pushups, sit-ups, you name it. While I can no longer do sit-ups and pushups, there are however a few recommended exercises that my physical therapist recommended. Yoga being one of them. I bought myself some at home workout yoga videos and I do them in the comfort of my home and sometimes in my front yard. Neighbors I know you see me, the crazy black lady doing poses that she has no idea if she's doing correctly, but it's all good, at least I'm getting back in shape, and taking control. However there are days when I do hit the gym and if you're like me, you may have been in a position where you arrive at the gym, only to find out that something is missing from your gym bag.  While I love to blame it on my busy life I lead as an adult, we are all imperfect human beings and sometimes I just chalk it up as being human. Today I want to share this list of the top things that I think every gym bag should have.

This conversation is brought to you by Acorn and Poise Impressa® Bladder Supports. All opinions are my own.

Water Bottle – this should be a given, you must remain hydrated when putting in a good workout, so designate a specific water bottle that stays in your gym bag. If you forget to fill it, at least it is there to fill with the water at your local gym.

Lip Balm – every woman needs lip balm, because your lips will dry out as you sweat your way through your workout at the gym, keep an extra set of your favorite lip hydrated lip balm in that gym bag for easy access during your workout session.

Deodorant & Wet Wipes – the best way to refresh after a hefty gym workout is to put new deodorant on and have those wet wipes or baby wipes ready to wipe yourself up so as to not stink your car up on the drive home.


Headphones - While I didn't mention an MP3 player, it's a given that you need some music and your phone can also double as your player. Music energizes you and there's nothing better than working out to your favorite playlist. Headphones also muffle out the sounds from other gym users. I highly suggest getting a good pair of bluetooth headset that allows you to take phone calls and listen to your music.

Extra Socks – whether you work out with or without socks, you must carry a second set, who knows how stinky your feet may get sweating in the gym during your session, be sure to have that one extra clean set in your gym bag at all times.

Nutrition or Energy Bar – the perfect snack that is usually packed with protein to keep your body rejuvenated and on par to finish strong with every work out you have at the gym. Purchase an extra box of your favorite bars and keep them in your gym bag.

Towel – this item should be a no brainer, yet it’s the most forgotten item in your gym bag, why? Because we just are living so fast paced we neglect that one obvious item, this happen to the best of us. Keep an extra towel in your gym bag for quick dry off after your session.


Poise Impressa - I make sure to have my Poise Impressa always on hand. Why? I suffer from SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence), simply put, whenever I work out excessively, laugh too hard, sneeze, there's always that chance that I'm going to leak. Poise Impressa is used just like a tampon, but it's really not. It doesn't soak up leaks but stops it before it even happens, keeping me fresh and clean. Now I can work out without having to worry that me being in the gym is going to leave me embarrassed.

Here's why I use and never go anywhere without my Poise Impressa.

Whatever you plan to do with this information, is up to you, but I hope that my list of top things every gym bag must have, helps direct you towards being more proactive in preparedness the next visit to your local gym. Once you have your gym bag set up with all of you essentials you'll spend more time towards working on your goals and less time about what you've forgotten. And if you also suffer from SUI, don't forget your Poise Impressa. You can pick them up at your local Walmart today!

Let's discuss: What essentials do you keep in your gym bag? 

Regardless of how others are in society or how other families are raising their kids, it is important for you to start thinking about how you can help kids learn manners and use them on a regular basis. When you think about the good ole days when families sat down at the dinner table as a unit, discussing their days and teaching kids how to have proper dinner manners; you wonder if your kids will be able to learn manners in our current day and age. Rest assured, your kids can learn manners and you are able to teach them how to use those manners as well, so as long as you remember the first rule to this theory –  as parents you need to set the example first. Parents who are consistent using terms such as “please” and “thank you” on a regular basis, yes, even when commanding a kid to do a chore, they are setting the precedence of how important manners are in everyday life. For example, when I'm in the house and I need to get by, I would tell Madison my 4yr old, excuse me. Just recently we were at a Shopkins event at ToysRUs, and Madison decided that she wanted to help by pushing the shopping cart. In the aisle was a lady and her daughter with their own cart, and Madison as clear as day said "Excuse me", and the lady said "sure" and moved to the side. I was so proud of her using her manners that day, in public too! So how can you help your own kids learn manners and use them?

I'm a big fan of chicken, however, it's not because I'm African American. It's a big misconception that black people love chicken and watermelon, because honestly, I'm not a big fan of watermelon and Madison hates chicken. I also have a daughter who is 100% vegetarian. My love of chicken however stems from the fact that my father used to rear chickens when I was younger. We had a chicken coop and some nice hens with an always very angry rooster. Our chicken coop was in the back, very close to our mango tree, and who doesn't love a really ripe juicy mango? Whenever I would try to get a mango from the tree, the rooster would literally run at me with his beak open to peck me, and I would have to run back to the house, usually crying. I've never been a fan of roosters since then, but I did like eating them. At Christmas, we would have fresh chicken as a meal that my mom prepared and I'm going to be honest with you, there is no better tasting chicken than a grass/feed fed chicken. There are so many ways to prepare chicken and I also enjoy pasta, so putting together a quick simple meal such as my Chicken & Spinach Penne that the entire family, made with rotisserie chicken is always a hit. I am not one for slaving away in the kitchen and this meal is quick and easy. Everyone loves it, with the exception of my vegetarian daughter and Madison, although I do make a vegetarian version for them without the chicken. So if you're looking for something nutritious, delicious and easy to make, try our Chicken & Spinach Penne meal today.

Our summer vacation has officially started and to be honest I'm ready for the kids to go back to school. Don't tell them I said that! There's the unlikely possibility that they'll find out since they NEVER read the blog. While I love summer, and you may have read why I think summer is better than winter, I would prefer if the kids can get out and spend some time outdoors and get to experience things that I won't be able to teach them. That's where summer camp comes in. Summer camp can be super fun for many kids, but parents are often questioning what is the purpose behind spending the money and planning the event of sending their kids off to summer camp. Sure, there is the fun factor that parents are usually aware of, but what kids learn while having fun at camp goes beyond what most parents think about. Today we are going to share a few reasons why kids should go to summer camp.

Summer lovely summer, the season that I love. Maybe it's because I grew up in the Caribbean where it's summer all year round, but there is just something about Summer that brings a smile to my face. Right now I am reminiscing about being on a beach frolicking in the clear water, and feeling the sand beneath my toes. I am not a fan of Winter because I abhor the cold, and while I don't mind Spring, my allergies detest it. Summer however, allows for a favorable atmosphere, a season where you get to rejuvenate friendships, engage in self-discovery and make some fantastic memories. Getting out of that house is one of the best ways to boost happiness hormones and share new experiences with your loved ones. While the other seasons aren't necessarily that bad, they are much cooler, sometimes downright cold at times, and deviates from that flexible schedule Summer offers us human beings. With Summer comes the increased spontaneous moments, last minute plans and less time to get ready as there isn’t much clothing needed during the hot Summer months.

If we have to sum up why Summer is better than Winter with just a few points, here are the few major points we feel make Summer the best season in comparison to Winter:

This year has been dedicated as our year of travel and so far we've been off to a great start. With the summer right around the corner and the kids officially out of school, I've been thinking of places to see and things to do. Last summer, after one of our road trips we passed through beautiful St. Louis and that photo you see above is the photo that we took while driving on the highway. Not me, of course, but I did hand my phone to my daughter so she could get a photo for me since she was in the passenger seat. St. Louis has always fascinated me and today I want to share with you my top 5 reasons why I want to visit St. Louis.


1. Visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop Headquarters.

This has always been my main reason for visiting. I've been a fan of Build-A-Bear Workshop for years and their headquarters is located in St. Louis. We have had birthday parties, made bears, met professional baseball players and more. I have not only collected bears over the years, but whenever I visit a new place I try and get their exclusive bear. So it would behoove me to visit their headquarters and meet their Chief-in-Bear. St. Louis here I come!

2. Get Up Close to the Gateway Arch

While I was able to see the arch from a distance, I would love to be able to get a closer view and get my picture taken at the foot of the arch. I'm told that you can take a 630-foot ride to the very top and behold the beauty that is St. Louis. While I'm not a fan of heights, sometimes you have to overcome your fear and live. This is a once in a lifetime experience and just like skydiving, I have to do this!


3. Visit the St. Louis Zoo

We are big fans of zoos and wherever we travel, we always make it our business to visit the local zoo. The photo above is Madison at the London Zoo in the UK. Not only are zoos learning experiences, but they are fun to visit. The St. Louis Zoo has been recognized as one of the nation's leading zoological parks. With so much to see and do, including the kids petting zoo and Interactive Stingray Pool, I'm sure that we will have lots of fun there, and best of all it is absolutely free, well except for a few events. Every other Zoo that I've gone to has always required an admission fee so this is an added bonus.

4. Sample all the Delicious Food they Have to Offer

I love to eat and you can't really tell because I carry my weight well, but on my most recent trip to the UK I gained 25lbs because all I did was eat. I'm looking forward to putting on another 25 more in St. Louis because I've been told that they have some amazing cuisine. I'm a New Yorker and there's nothing quite like a New York pizza, however I've heard that they have a St. Louis style thin crust pizza that comes smothered in Provel cheese. Oh yummy! And there's also a mouth watering gooey butter cake, talk about heaven on earth!  I can't wait to sample every food that they have to offer.


5. I want to Shop Till I Drop

You may have noticed that I mentioned that I'm a New Yorker and the one thing the city of New York is known for is, is their fashion. When you think fashion, you think London, Paris and of course you think New York! However, St. Louis is known to have some very high end shops littered throughout the city. There I can find vintage-inspired clothing and one of a kind treasures that will not only delight my senses but my home as well. I can either find them at independent stores or at one of their many malls and shopping centers. I can't wait to shop till I drop!

Now, while those are my reasons for visiting there are so much more to see and do in St. Louis. St. Louis is very family friendly, with attractions and fun stuff to do, a little bit of everything for everyone so to speak. There is Six Flags of which we are season pass holders, museums and so much more. You might even be able to take in a baseball game or two of their home team, the Cardinals.


And if my reasons don't make you want to visit St. Louis, the beautiful city of St. Louis is having a #FunnestFamily contest. From now until June 30th, 2016, all you have to do is share your family's funnest picture or video with #FunnestFamily hashtag on Instagram, Twitter or on the Explore St. Louis Facebook page. One lucky winner will receive weekend of fun in St. Louis for the entire family. So what are you waiting for? Check out St. Louis today!

Let's discuss: Have you ever been to St. Louis?