I recently shared a post, 8 things to do in NYC in a week with kids, and one of the things we did do was visit the Statue of Liberty. Today I'm sharing my tips on what you should know before visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.


A few weeks ago I took to the streets of New York City with my kids Madison and Kyle. Kyle is a New York native who was born in Manhattan, so this was nothing new to him. However, to Madison, who LOVES and enjoys visiting NY, it was a treat. The Statue of Liberty is an NYC landmark and one that is recognized worldwide. While visitors tend to navigate towards it, the locals stay away. There's a standing joke among us New Yorkers. We can spot a tourist from a mile away. On this trip, I was the tourist.

So what tips can I share before you visit the Statue of Liberty and/or Ellis Island?


PLAN YOUR VISIT
Visiting both islands can take anywhere from 2-3hours, and even more if you decide to make your way to the pedestal or crown of the Statue of Liberty. (Reserve tickets are needed for visiting the pedestal and crown, and I suggest getting these ahead of time as they may not be available if you decide to purchase your tickets the day of. You will also have to go through a separate security check for both). Be sure you have enough time for your visit so that you're not rushing.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE
Statue Cruises is the only authorized venue online to purchase tickets for both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, so be very wary of any other website that states that they have tickets for sale. The reason behind purchasing your tickets in advance, whether you print them online or pick up at the will call window, is that the lines for purchasing tickets are and can be extremely long. I had a friend who was meeting me there, and she waited in line for almost 2hrs before getting her ticket.


BE PREPARED TO BE SEARCHED
Ok, I don't mean your person (unless you have something on you that you shouldn't have, such as a weapon), but you will be going through security, just as you do at the airport, the only difference being that you can keep your shoes on. Your bags will be searched, and you will go through a body scanner, so be sure to empty your pockets.

ARRIVE EARLY
While ferries depart approximately every 20 minutes, arriving early may enable you to get a good seat at the top of the ship if you're trying to get photos of the Statue of Liberty or even Ellis Island while on board. The boats can get pretty crowded, so finding a seat or even somewhere comfortable to stand can be tricky.

TAKE THE TOUR
Tours are free on Ellis Island and are available inside the main building. Be sure to grab a headset so that you can hear the immigrant stories of those who came through Ellis Island hoping for a better life for themselves and their families.


DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
During the summer the humidity can be hell in NYC. Since I'm a New Yorker "vacationing" in Colorado, I thought I was used to it, but it turns out I wasn't. I actually ended up with a sunburn, so also be sure to use sunscreen. Shorts and tees during the summer are OK, but bundle up during the winter because you'll be on the water and it gets colder there.

WALK WITH SNACKS AND WATER
Sure there's a cafe, but the price of food, in my opinion, is completely overpriced. If you're taking the kids, I would suggest taking a few snacks with you since it's allowed. There are picnic areas around both places so just find a place to sit. I would recommend also bringing along a bottle of water to keep you hydrated, especially during the summer since it's sweltering and humid in NYC during the summer, but don't forget winter as well. We tend to drink less during winter, but it's equally important.

SKIP THE SOUVENIRS
Most of the souvenirs that are available at the gift shops, are souvenirs you can find at most stores along 42nd street dedicated to tourists. And while I did splurge on a book for Madison, just so that she could have "something to commemorate her trip", the book was also readily available on Amazon for much less.

When was the last time you considered what you spend each month on fuel? If it’s been a while, you may be surprised to see the number is probably not as small as you think. Between commuting to and from work, running errands, and taking trips across town to visit friends or grab dinner, it’s all too easy to fly through a tank of gas and find yourself stuck in line at the gas station yet again, spending your hard-earned money.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cut your gas spend and put a few extra dollars back into your pocket. Here are five smart ways to stop spending so much money on gas:


1 - LOOK INTO LOYALTY PROGRAMS. 
Many grocery stores partner with gas stations - or open stations of their own - and allow shoppers to redeem points toward discounts on gasoline. Kroger, Safeway, Shaw’s, and Fred Meyer are just a few of the grocers across the country that offer this benefit. Since you already have to spend money on groceries to feed your family, you may as well score a discount for your next fill-up! Ask the cashier the next time you’re at your favorite grocery store to see if they offer a gas reward program.

2 - PLAN  YOUR TRIPS STRATEGICALLY.
It’s easy to burn a tank of gas when you’re continually driving across town and running various errands. If you feel like you’re always on the road, sit down and see if you can streamline your schedule a bit better and make your trips more efficient. Instead of creating separate trips, see if you can squeeze a few errands into one run and plan to visit each shop in the order that makes the most sense instead of doubling back and wasting gas. With a little thought and effort, you may be surprised to see how much of an impact merely reevaluating your schedule can make.

3 - CONSIDER A MORE GAS EFFICIENT VEHICLE.
Gas-guzzlers are not only bad for the environment. They’re also hard your wallet! A hybrid vehicle - or even a standard car that scores high on fuel efficiency tests - can severely slash your fuel spend. This may not be a logical option if your vehicle is already great on gas, or if you’ve recently purchased your vehicle, but if it’s nearing time to trade it in or you’re considering another car, make it a priority to get a vehicle that’ll keep your gas costs at a minimum.


4 - DOWNLOAD GASBUDDY OR A SIMILAR APP. 
There are now many apps out there with a mission to help you score the lowest prices on gasoline in your area. These apps rely on user-provided data to help you find the nearest gas station with the best prices. Whether you’re running errands in your neighborhood or you’re planning for your next big road trip, this app can help you avoid getting robbed at overpriced fill stations and ensure you’re getting a great deal for your fuel.

5 - PERFORM REGULAR MAINTENANCE. 
Basic vehicle maintenance can have a surprising impact on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. If your car isn’t getting the gas mileage it used to, you may want to schedule a trip to your trusted mechanic. Old motor oil or a clogged air filter may be to blame - or your car may just be due for a tune-up.


While it may not be possible to cut fuel costs out of your family budget, these tips should help you reduce the amount of money you spend on gas each month - for some, quite significantly. You might be astonished to see just how much extra cash makes its way into your wallet!

To celebrate 90 years of Mickey, Disneyland Paris is organizing a huge birthday bash with a very special program. The kick-off whistle for this "Mickey 90 Mouse Party" will be blown on 1st October, with a new Halloween season that will put the spotlight on the most famous mouse in the history of animation.

This year, Halloween promises to be a wickedly wonderful party and will also celebrate Mickey himself. He will steal the show with a brand-new float designed especially for him in the mini Halloween parade, a new attraction called "Mickey and his PhilharMagic Orchestra" will make its appearance at Discoveryland, and of course, Halloween wouldn't be the same without the "Disney Villains". Get ready to shiver with some unparalleled encounters and a spectacular show this Halloween at Disneyland Paris…


MICKEY'S HALLOWEEN CAVALCADE
Mickey's Halloween Cavalcade, the most eagerly awaited parade of the season, is finally back with a bespoke addition: a brand-new float called "Mickey’s Illusion Manor". The float will celebrate 90 years of imagination in the most mischievous of ways, with apparitions and disappearances… Yes, Mickey can't wait to play some tricks on you. What's more, he'll also have help from some strange zombies and the three pranksters Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Scrooge's nephews. No reason to panic though, as Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Chip and Dale, the Three Little Pigs, and many others will parade in their own floats, which will all exude cheerfulness and autumn colors.

NEW ATTRACTION: "MICKEY AND HIS PHILARMAGIC ORCHESTRA"*
The "Mickey 90 Mouse Party" will mark the arrival, on 1st October 2018, of a brand-new attraction: "Mickey and his PhilharMagic Orchestra". Get ready to enjoy a new 4D experience at the Discoveryland Theatre. Once seated, you will find Mickey and Donald on the big screen. They will cast you into the very heart of some of the greatest Disney classics such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King, with new misadventures caused by the out-of-control Donald Duck. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have fun with Disney's most popular songs and to celebrate 90 years of Mickey in style.
*The attraction "Mickey and his PhilharMagic Orchestra" will remain open after the Halloween season

FACE TO FACE WITH DISNEY VILLAINS
Halloween is the season of all possibilities, especially for those who are dying to mingle with the most famous of Disney Villains. The terrifying Maleficent will cast a spell to transform the courtyard of Sleeping Beauty Castle into a huge briar bush taking the shape of her ominous dragon, and she will also be on-hand to meet with and take photos with the more daring of guests.


Disney Villains invite you to their show "It's Good to be Bad with the Disney Villains!" at the Castle Theatre. Join the Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cruella (101 Dalmatians), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), the Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland), Jafar (Aladdin), Gaston (Beauty and the Beast), Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame), Dr Facilier (The Princess and the Frog), and also Cinderella's stepsisters and stepmother, Drizella, Anastasia, and Lady Tremaine, for this not-to-be-missed show. Look out for intruder Donald, who dresses up as Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty) so that he can party with the Disney Villains. After the show, the Disney Villains will take malicious delight in posing for photos with you.

EVEN MORE ENCOUNTERS WITH HALLOWEEN STARS
The Disney Villains aren't the one ones preparing to invade Disneyland Park to celebrate their favorite season. Minnie, Stitch, Goofy, José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles (Donald’s partners in crime in the film The Three Caballeros) and even the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland promise new unforgettable encounters. A word of advice: don't forget to grab the program and map at the entrance to the Disney Parks to make sure you don't miss anything.

In celebration of the Halloween season, a monstrously crazy and colorful atmosphere will take over Disneyland Park. Ghosts and pumpkins will invade Main Street, U.S.A., as well as Frontierland. Colorful, tall sculptures will also have their place at the heart of the festivities, and throughout the season you will be able to encounter the puppet of Miguel, the star of the Disney/Pixar film Coco, at the Fuente del Oro restaurant.


The Halloween season takes place from 1st October to 4th November 2018. The "Mickey 90 Mouse Party" will be followed by a new Christmas season, full of surprises.

We love visiting the Disney Parks, and one of the things that we enjoy at each of our visits is wearing our Mouse (Mickey, Minnie, or specialty) Ears. No matter your style, Disney has a pair of Mouse Ears that will be just right for you and finding one you love isn't as difficult as you think.

While many Etsy shops sell their own designs, personally I prefer purchasing the official ears either in the parks, at the resort or online at the Disney Store. Many years ago the choices were minimal, but now there is such a vast variety, though some are exclusive to the parks, that the hardest decision you may make is deciding which one to buy.

I recently was going through Madison's closet and came upon a bag of Mouse Ears, which spurred this post. Gone are the days of the classic Mouse Ears and today I'm here to help you with your purchasing decision. From birthdays to holidays, there's a Mouse Ears for that! There are Rose Gold, Millenial Pink and even a brand new Rainbow for Pride Week. Disney has you covered! So without further ado, here's a list of what you can find for each occasion.



CLASSIC
You honestly can't go wrong with a classic Mickey or Minnie Mouse Ears, and it's generally the first ears that many choose to get on their very first trip to Disney, whether its the ear hat or headbands. Madison's first classic headband was actually a glitter Minie Mouse that she picked out personally at Disneyland Paris, but before this, she would wear the Minnie Ear hat. The classics can be either plain or with sequins but are the standard black and red.


WEDDING/HONEYMOON
Are you celebrating your wedding or honeymoon at a Disney Park and would love to share your new nuptials with the entire world? There's an ear for that! Disney has not only headbands but hats for both the bride and groom. It's a great way to display your love of Disney and your newly wedded bliss with all the park-goers.


PATRIOTIC
For those who love showing their patriotic pride, there is a variety of headbands for you too. From the classic red - white and blue, to the simple blue and white stars, it's a great way to show your love for your country and are perfect for the 4th of July celebration or just showing your national pride.


GRADUATION
HOLIDAYS
If you're planning on visiting Disney for the holidays and want to be decked out for the occasion, then some headbands and hats were designed exclusively for the holidays. I'm talking Halloween and Christmas, with some even lighting up. If you've never celebrated one of the big holidays at Disney, you're definitely missing out.


FAVORITE CHARACTERS
Do you have a favorite character that you just LOVE! From Frozen to Star Wars, Disney has a wide range of character-themed hats and headbands. While not every character is portrayed, there is still quite a huge variety, so the odds of you finding your favorite is excellent. One of my favorite is actually Jack Skellington from the Nightmare Before Christmas that I'm wearing in the first photo shown above.


GET IT PERSONALIZED
Madison almost always wears an official Mouse Ears hat that was personalized for her in the park. This is an excellent option for kids and adults alike. Not only does it make it easy for me to identify her in a crowd (because it is crowded in the park), but the characters get to call her by name, and so does everyone else. Currently, only the hats can be personalized with your name (or whatever you desire).


FOR THE UNDECIDED
The new Minnie Mouse Ear Headband - Swap Your Bow which Madison is wearing in the very first photo is the perfect ear headband for the undecided. Below is the same headband with the Belle Bow that she wore with her Beauty and the Beast outfit at the Mickey Not So Scary Halloween Party. While it does come with a sparkly bow, it's fun swapping out the bows for others that you love. It's a great way to have a different look without spending too much money as the bows are a lot cheaper than the headbands. While the initial price for the Swap Your Bow headband is a bit pricey, it's totally worth it in the long run.


This list is not extensive, and there are always new Mouse Ears headbands and hats that are being released. While some as I mentioned are exclusive to the parks, there is also a good selection online for those who would like to have an ear before arriving at their Disney park of choice. No matter which ear you decide on, have fun at the most magical place on earth!

Being a mother for the past 22 years of my life, I now almost can't remember the days when I didn't have a child. As a veteran mom, I have been through the rounds of motherhood four times and can tell you a thing or two about what you need for your newborn. However, what no-one really tells you is the stuff that you don't need. Today in collaboration with Luvs, I'm here to tell you about 7 things you don't need for your baby, although you might think you do.



Having a baby can be expensive, but it really doesn't have to be. Most parents, grandparents and friends included, really do have good intentions when they shop for a newborn. However, you can save some valuable cash that can go towards college tuition in the future if you forget about purchasing the following items.


BOTTLE STERILIZER
You thought you needed it right? Well, you couldn't be more wrong! Sure you need to sterilize your bottles when you first receive them, just as you should wash your baby's clothing before putting them on, but you can do that just as easily in a pot of boiling water on your stove top. You can also run them through your dishwasher as well once your baby is older. Save yourself the money and treat yourself to dinner.

WIPES WARMER OR BOTTLE WARMER
They sound like a great idea and believe me, I got suckered into purchasing them myself as well. However, neither are necessary. Usually, by the time you've taken your wipes out of the wipes warmer, it becomes cold and not only do they dry out your wipes, but leaves them all brown and yucky looking. Just warm your wipes in your hand, but then again a cold wipe never hurt a baby. If they have, I'd like to know about it. Same with a bottle warmer. You can warm up your baby's bottle under running water, in a pot of hot water or even just let it stand.

CRIB SETS & DECKED OUT NURSERY
It's your very first baby, I get it, but you really don't need to deck out the nursery or buy the most expensive bedding that you can find. A glider sounds like a great idea, but once again, you don't need it. Neither does your baby need a 5 piece crib set, especially ones that come with a bumper pad since babies have been known to get caught between them. A standard crib sheet would work.

A CHANGING TABLE
No, you do not need to buy a dedicated and often expensive changing table. You'll be surprised at where you may end up changing your baby's diaper, and most often than not, it is almost never in a nursery. Instead opt for a changing mat, or even extra blankets that you can lay on a couch, bed, or even the floor. The sky's the limit when it comes to unlimited locations for changing time.


HIGH-END CLOTHING AND SHOES
I know you've been tempted, but trust me, don't do it! Not only are they expensive because of all the specialty bags that you're going to need to buy, which will turn out to be more money than it's worth, but to be honest, just throw your dirty diapers in a regular garbage pail and empty it often. You're going to thank me for this tip.

EXPENSIVE DIAPERS
You will be changing a wet or soiled diaper at least ten times a day, calculate it, and you will be going through thousands of diapers by the end of your baby's first year. Don't waste money buying the most expensive diapers on the market, and just because it's expensive doesn't mean that it works any better, it just means that it costs more. Get a brand that has been consistent throughout the years and is guaranteed to save you money such as Luvs.


I've always enjoyed looking at those Luv's commercials about first-time parents because they are so relatable. Most first time parents, (including myself when I had my first child), think that they need everything under the sun; otherwise your baby won't be happy or comfortable.

Au contraire. In reality, all your baby need is to be held and comforted, fed and changed when dirty. By the time you have your second child, all the things that you thought you needed, you laugh about. Luvs is the official diaper of experienced parents, not only do they provide Ultra Leakguard protection, affordable prices, AND a money back guarantee, but you can pick them up at Walmart for even more savings.


On 8/26 get your P&G brandSAVER coupon in the Sunday paper good for $2 off two bags or one box of Luvs diapers, then head to Walmart and buy Luvs.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Luvs at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.

Back-to-school season is almost upon us! Can you believe it? When it’s finally time to send the little ones off, it's important to ensure they are prepped and ready to learn new things and make new friends, including classmates who may be different. My son Mikael is autistic, and while he may not look different than other children, it's relatively evident once he starts speaking. However, there are children who not only sound "different," but look "different" as well. Today's guest poster is Laura Harrison who will share some tips on teaching your kids about disability etiquette.


When Laura Harrison takes her 5 y/o son Jonas out to lunch, the mall, or the park - parents and their children tend to stare. Jonas has a vision disability and uses a walking stick. But that doesn’t stop these two from conquering each day! Laura has made it her mission to make sure all children have confidence and feel beautiful through her children’s eyewear brand Jonas Paul Eyewear - and when it comes to day-to-day interaction, she encourages parents to learn how to talk to their kids about others who may be different from them. Here's a quick look at her advice:

My 5-year-old son, Jonas, has low vision and uses a walking cane to explore the world around him which makes him a little different from other kids. And since children can be very blunt, asking questions like “what’s wrong with your eyes” and “why do you carry that stick,” Jonas is going to have to be comfortable with answering the same questions repeatedly while realizing that his peers are just inquisitive.


However, the great thing about children is that once their curiosity is quenched, they quickly move on and treat the child as a peer, often overlooking that difference and including them in whatever they are doing. This is why we feel it is important to enable your child to “roll with the punches” and respond with confidence and grace, as it will help them to make friends quicker and realize that they can be friends with those that are “different” from them.

These experiences my son has had inspired me to make sure all children feel confident and beautiful through our children’s eyewear brand.

When it comes to day-to-day interactions at school, help your kids better understand others who may be different from them. It’s easier than you might think, too! Consider sharing these quick tips with your child to ensure they’re taking part in making the classroom an inclusive place for everyone:

• Start with a Smile! Don’t be shy. When your child sees another child that may look different, don’t be afraid to interact. 

• Tell Your Story & Discover Our Story. Jonas loves to show off his walking cane, it’s how he gets to experience the world. We enjoy telling everyone we meet about how he uses it to explore the world around him. Don’t feel nervous to ask questions, it’s much better than just staring. 

• Have a Normal Conversation! Once other kids get to know Jonas, they become instant friends! Saying hello and asking questions will start a dialogue about how we’re alike and encourages kids to see past their differences. 

• Lead by Example. Children learn best while mirroring their parents. If your little ones are too shy, they'll follow mom and dad's lead!  

School is a place for kids to learn and grow, embracing the similarities and differences of those around them. Inclusivity can start with informed, responsible parents like you!

While a trip to Walt Disney World can be magical no matter when you choose to go, a trip to the parks during the holidays can feel extra special. Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, and the other Disney parks tend to embrace the holidays like few other places on the planet. That being said, the parks certainly celebrate some holidays more than others. If you’re eager to make holiday memories at Disney World, consider planning your trip for one of the following dates:


CHRISTMAS. 
It’s no surprise to learn that Disney World does Christmas like nowhere else. The parks hold nothing back as they decorate for the season, and everything from restaurant menus to street performers make tweaks and adjustments to embrace the holiday spirit. You’ll find Christmas parades and performances, as well as special fireworks displays tailored to celebrate the occasion. For the ultimate Disney Christmas experience, grab tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, an event that takes place on select evenings in November and December.


If you want to spend Christmas day at Disney World, plan to get to the parks early - they often reach capacity.

HALLOWEEN. 
For a Halloween, that’s more silly than spooky, head to Disney World at the end of October for a treat. Similar to the Christmas season, the parks go all-out for Halloween by incorporating haunted elements into the decor and rolling out new shows, like the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. You can enjoy Halloween-themed parades and fireworks displays, and you can even attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, an exclusive after-hours event at the Magic Kingdom. There, kids can show up in costume to trick-or-treat, ride their favorite rides, and interact with costumed versions of their favorite Disney characters.


THE FOURTH OF JULY. 
Independence Day can be an excellent opportunity to plan a trip to Disney World. You’ll find Mickey, Donald and friends dressed up in patriotic attire, special concerts singing American patriotic songs, and, of course, plenty of fireworks! With multiple fireworks displays and light shows happening at the various parks in the evening, you’ll need to decide which show you want to catch with your family. Whichever one you choose to view, get there early and grab a seat well before it’s scheduled to begin!


The Fourth of July can also be a great time to experience one of Disney’s water parks, like Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. While you’ll face long lines like you will in the parks, you’ll appreciate the ability to cool down with a quick splash in a pool.

YOUR BIRTHDAY. 
While your birthday may not be an official holiday, it’s a great time to plan a visit to one (or more) of the Disney World parks. When the Disney staff know it’s your special day, they’ll go out of their way to help you celebrate, so let them know by checking in with Guest Relations. Tell them it’s your birthday, and you’ll receive a button to wear to share the news with everyone you meet.


Aside from plenty of birthday wishes, birthday boys and girls have been known to receive special treats like free desserts and other fun perks, like the opportunity to skip the line and ride their favorite ride a second time. Ask nicely, and you may be surprised just how far Disney’s hospitality can go!


A trip to Disney World can make any day feel like a holiday, but it can really feel special when you visit on Christmas, Halloween, or another date the parks choose to celebrate. Check the calendar before you plan your next trip and plan your travel accordingly!

If there’s one vitamin that can be called the building block of your kid’s health, it has to be vitamin C. Apart from helping stimulate the repair of bones and tissues and speeding up their healing, this vitamin is known to play a significant role in boosting immunity, preventing infections and even improving iron absorption.

So how do you ensure your little one gets enough of it? Keep reading to discover just that- we’ve listed 6 of the best foods that are packed full of vitamin C.


CITRUS FRUITS
You probably already know about this one- all citrus fruits like oranges, lemon, grapefruit, etc. and even guava are excellent sources of vitamin C. Just a single medium orange can give your kid as much as 70 mg of the vitamin, which is excellent.

The next time your little ones demand a sweet something to eat, let them snack on some fresh fruit- especially oranges and guavas- they’re super delicious and healthy too.

LEAFY GREENS
Green leafy vegetables, particularly brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, watercress, chard and mustard greens are loaded with this essential vitamins. Getting your kids to eat more of these can be a bit tricky, but you can experiment with different recipes and see what works for you.

BELL PEPPERS
A lot of us don’t know about this, but bell peppers are another fantastic source of vitamin C.  Just a quarter cup of red bell peppers can account for around 47.5 mg of the vitamin, and what’s best is the fact that they are super versatile- you can add them to a good number of different food preparations, and most kids love them too!


STRAWBERRIES
Yes, strawberries did need a special mention, because they too are packed with this immune boosting vitamins. It has been found that three single strawberries can provide your body with 21 mg of the vitamin. So don’t hesitate to melt that dark chocolate, get some strawberries and do a quick chocolate fondue for your little one for dessert! You could also quickly chop up some strawberries and add them to your kid’s breakfast bowl.

HERBS
Surprised at this one? Don’t be- a lot of herbs that we actually use on a daily basis for many of our food preparations are also good sources of vitamin C. Add more of basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme, and chives to your foods- they’re the ones that have the most of this vitamin.

BROCCOLI
You can literally never go wrong with broccoli, and while you may share a love-hate relationship with this veggie, it is actually a mega source of vitamin C.  Just a single little serving can get your kid as much as 90 mg of the vitamin, and that’s not it- it also has an amazing detoxifying action which can boost your kid’s health in more ways than one.


While you can get your Vitamin C as a supplement in the form of a pill or even gummy, however, getting it the natural way is the way to go. We hope these ways will help you and your kids get all the Vitamin C that you need.

Those who have been bitten by the travel bug are almost always on the lookout for their next vacation destination. It is not uncommon to want to try to visit as many places as possible, soaking in the culture, cuisine and the sights. This is where a cruise comes in.

There are several reasons why a cruise should be your next travel experience. In fact, on a cruise you don’t just visit one destination, you will have the chance to visit quite a few and the best part? You only need to unpack once.

Not only will you get to enjoy all the fantastic amenities modern day cruise ships have to offer, but you will also be met with unbelievable views and a unique at sea experience.

If you are looking for something a little bit different for your next travel experience, a cruise is a great option.


PLANNING IS SIMPLE
Once you choose your room and pick your itinerary most of your planning is complete. Unlike traditional travel, you don’t have to coordinate transportation between destinations or search for hotels. You can even select flight packages or add activities to participate in before or after your cruise like specialized overnight land tours of Alaska’s Denali National Park. Not only that, but you can set up your dining options before you leave, guaranteeing your table at times that work best for you or booking special packages.

NUMEROUS OPTIONS
With a cruise, you can span cities, continents, climates, islands, and cultures. There is an abundance of different cruise packages to choose from, and the array you can take will dazzle you. Beyond your choices for destinations, you can take themed cruises that are tailored to your likes and dislikes like sports, music, culture or even family cruises.

YOU ONLY UNPACK ONCE
This is one of the most significant advantages of taking a cruise, especially if you are traveling with a large group. Being that you love to travel, you know what it’s like to lug a large suitcase in and out of cars, across streets, up flights of stairs and more. The fact that a cruise allows you to settle in and unpack once while visiting multiple destinations is music to anyone’s ears.


PERFECT FOR COUPLES
There is something undeniably romantic about traveling at sea together. Whether that means enjoying candlelit dinners on a private deck or exploring new and exciting destinations together, you will sure to be romanced by the beauty a cruise has to offer. There are also amazing packages designed for honeymoons, vow renewals, and even weddings.

EXCELLENT VALUE
The price of a cruise includes almost everything that you could possibly require for a fantastic vacation. Food, accommodation, entertainment and comfortable transportation to each destination on your itinerary are all usually included with your cruise package. These services are often provided at a price well below what you would usually pay for a similar experience on land.


There are many reasons a cruise vacation should be at the top of your must travel list. Not only is planning simple with a variety of options to choose from but you just must unpack once to visit several destinations. Cruises are perfect for rekindling romance or keeping it alive, and they provide excellent value for your money. If you have been on the fence about booking a cruise, now is the time.

If you're having a difficult time choosing a cruise line, read why we chose Norwegian Cruise Line for our family cruise.

Odds are, your weekly routine involves at least one trip to the grocery store. Whether or not you look forward to these trips, you probably rely on your local Sprouts, Kroger, Publix, or Safeway to keep your family well-fed and your home stocked with paper towels, toilet paper, and other household goods. And even if you’re visiting a store you shop at week after week, you may constantly be surprised to see how much time - and money - your trips to the grocery store consume. It isn’t hard to lose track of the contents of your cart or the time you’re spending wandering from aisle to aisle.

Tired of getting bogged down at the grocery store? Here are five rules I follow to save time and money on groceries each week:


Rule #1: MAKE A LIST. 
I won’t step into the grocery store without a list of things I need to buy. It’s too easy to get distracted and find myself loading up the cart with stuff I really don’t need. Instead, I make a point to do a little prep work before I shop and make a list of the things we’re running low on in my home. Organizing my list by section of the store helps me streamline my shopping trip, and writing everything down helps me ensure I don’t forget anything I need for the week ahead.

Rule #2: SHOP THE PERIMETER (as much as possible).
Almost every single grocery store is designed the same way. You’ll find dairy products, meat and seafood, and fruits and veggies on the outside walls, and all of the processed, sugar-filled food packed into the aisles. Don’t waste your time meandering down every single aisle - you’re almost guaranteed to walk out of the store with things you shouldn’t buy. Instead, to cut time and save on stuff you don’t actually need, do a lap around the outside of the store first, then determine what you need to find in the aisles.

Rule #3: CHECK FOR DEALS.
If you want to save money, you need to spend a little time each week scoping out the best deals. Many grocery stores put out weekly advertisements to highlight what’s on special, and some even offer additional coupons and discounts through their app. Dedicate a few minutes to reviewing the ads and make a note of the things that are on sale, and you’ll be amazed to see how much money you can shave off of your grocery bill.


Rule #4: SHOP DURING OFF-HOURS. 
An easy way to save time at the grocery store is to avoid making your weekly trip during their busiest times. Many people tackle their grocery shopping on the weekends or run in for a few things on the way home from work, so try to steer clear during those times. Instead, try to shop during off hours. With fewer people in the store, you’ll be able to take care of your shopping much more quickly and with far less stress.

Rule #5: DON'T BE AFRAID TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PICK-UP OR DELIVERY OPTIONS. 
Grocery shopping is changing with the rollout of Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and other shopping services. Some grocery stores offer a pick-up service that allows you to place your order online and swing by when you’re ready to collect your items. Others have taken things a step further with full-blown door-to-door delivery. I’ve tried out a few different services at this point, and each one has offered significant savings on my initial order. Even if you don’t plan to switch your shopping method permanently, it’s a great way to save both time and money on your groceries.


By following these rules, I’ve managed to save a ton of time and money on my weekly groceries, and I hope they'll help you too.